Isolated downpours continue to affect parts of the Auckland region with an early evening thunderstorm near Rangitoto Island creating waterspouts (a tornado over water).

The weak waterspouts connected from the clouds to the water with two remarkable photos captured by Jo Ottey Photography clearly showing the sea water being sucked up.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says if Auckland had a been a little warmer today the city could’ve expected even more energy from the passing downpours and isolated thunder & hail storms. WeatherWatch says the thunderstorm has weakened a little but is spreading towards the Firth of Thames and cannot rule out more thunder and isolated waterspouts as it tracks south eastwards – but should weaken after sunset.

Tornadoes in spring are normal, especially when cold and warm air collides which we’re seeing today over New Zealand and may see again over the coming weeks as this unsettled weather pattern continues until the start of December.

Thanks very much to Jo Ottey (@jottey8 on Twitter) for sending in the photos this evening.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz