> From the WeatherWatch archives
DISTANT LIGHTNING – Looking west across Auckland early Wednesday evening. Image / Simon Williams.
It was a busy night in the skies over New Zealand last night as thunderstorms moved in from the Tasman Sea, for some it was the second night in a row.
Over 10,000 strikes were recorded around the country yesterday, mostly in the afternoon and evening.
Click here to read the full story and to see photos, reader comments and a fantastic short video of a lightning strike in Auckland.
At it’s peak 1300 strikes an hour were being recorded, mostly around Auckland.
VIDEO BELOW sent in by Susie Warwick – North Shore Lightning.
Taken on a Kodak stills camera capturing video in High Definition. Image / Brendan Quaife.
Downpours were reported to be heavy enough to cause localised flash flooding and will make driving extremely hazardous for a time. WeatherWatch.co.nz advised people to stay indoors until the thunder has passed.
– This literally brilliant still taken tonight from a video captures a stunning lightning strike that turned night into day. Image / Matt Hair
NIGHT INTO DAY
Reports also came in of action around Auckland with a big jump in fire and police sirens between 9pm and 11pm along with numerous reports of Sky Tower being hit.
Upload your photos of the storms here
Before you add a new comment, take note this story was published on 26 Aug 2009.
Add new comment
Priya on 18/11/2009 2:25pm
I visited NZ 1 years back and was amazed by Auckland Attractions. Did not expect such kind of weather over there.
Reply
BQ on 26/08/2009 11:36am
what a nice treat tonight … with some friends describing it as “pretty”.
Got some amazing HD video of the flashy stuff flittering around over the downtown buildings in Auckland
Reply
Guest on 26/08/2009 11:13am
well we are starting to get it down here in Te Aroha fire station got struck by lightning at about 22:20hrs which set the siren off constantly for about 10-15mins and rain quite heavy rain
Reply
Guest on 26/08/2009 10:27am
The thunder was so strong, our house was rattling! Scary!
Reply
Paul on 26/08/2009 10:05am
Plenty of lightning and rain in central Auckland too. I’ve seen 4-5 fire engines running around on Victoria Street. Haven’t seen any fires though.
Reply
matt on 26/08/2009 10:03am
great lightning show going on over Auckland view from eastern bays north has been spectacular at times
Reply
Theresa on 26/08/2009 10:03am
We are getting some impressive lightning flashes in West Auckland. I have been waiting very impatiently for a decent storm.
Reply
East coast on 26/08/2009 10:01am
The thunder where I’m located- browns bay is extremly loud, strong and long sometimes…. It’s going to be a long night
Reply
Guest on 26/08/2009 10:01am
I think I may have just seen the Sky Tower been hit!
Reply
East coast on 26/08/2009 10:01am
The thunder where I’m located- browns bay is extremly loud, strong and long sometimes…. It’s going to be a long night
Reply
View more comments