Warnings now cancelled.

Earlier update: Issued by MetService at 06:33 pm Tuesday 24 November 2009.
Valid until 07:15 pm Tuesday 24 November 2009.

View the Live & Free lightning tracker here.

See the map below…

These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain.

Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.

Torrential rain associated with this storm has been reported earlier from GISBORNE RADAR.

Large hail associated with this storm has been reported earlier from GISBORNE RADAR IN THE 15 TO 20MM RANGE.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in force for BAY OF PLENTY and GISBORNE.

---

What to do in a severe thunderstorm…

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management advises that as storms approach you should:
– Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;
– Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;
– Move cars under cover or away from trees;
– Secure any loose objects around your property;
– Check that drains and gutters are clear;
– Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.
During and after the storm, you should also:
– Beware of fallen trees and power lines;
– Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.

 

This warning affects people in the following local government areas:
GISBORNE.

At 06:15 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near TOKOMARU BAY, TE PUIA SPRINGS, WAIPIRO BAY and OFFSHORE TOKOMARU BAY.

These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast, and are expected to lie near EAST CAPE, TIKITIKI, OFFSHORE TOKOMARU BAY and OFFSHORE EAST CAPE at 06:45 pm and near OFFSHORE EAST CAPE at 07:15 pm.