A spring storm is building in the Tasman Sea with dramatic looking clouds clearing appearing on the latest satellite maps near Tasmania.  These clouds indicate big, heavy, showers that may contain hail, thunderstorms and even tornadoes. 

Ahead of these showers rain clouds are lining up and the isobars are set to bunch up over the country driving heavy rain in to the West Coast tomorrow and gales spreading in to exposed parts of the lower North Island and eastern areas of the South Island. 

16 severe weather warnings have been issued this afternoon with up to 280mm forecast for the West Coast and winds gusting 130km/h in the east of the South Island and lower North Island.

You’ll find all the current warnings here.

But conditions tonight should remain mostly settled across the country.  Skies are clearing around Auckland and showers are easing in Northland.