SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

UPDATED 3pm: Auckland radar has temporarily stopped sending images. Severe thunderstorm tracks cannot be produced at this time, and the warning has been cancelled until radar resumes. Please refer the to the severe thunderstorm watch which remains in force.Auckland radar has temporarily stopped sending images. Severe thunderstorm tracks cannot be produced at this time, and the warning has been cancelled until radar resumes. Please refer the to the severe thunderstorm watch which remains in force.

Earlier

This Issued by MetService at 02:06 pm Friday 04 December 2009.
Valid until 02:52 pm Friday 04 December 2009.

This warning affects people in the following local government areas:
KAIPARA, WHANGAREI and RODNEY.

At 01:52 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near OFFSHORE AUCKLAND WEST COAST, MAUNGATUROTO, PAPAROA, BRYNDERWYN, TAIPUHA, WELLSFORD, KAIWAKA, PORT ALBERT, OKAHUKURA PENINSULA, GLORIT, TAUHOA and WAIPU.

These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the east, and are expected to lie near OFFSHORE AUCKLAND WEST COAST, MAUNGATUROTO, KAIWAKA, BRYNDERWYN, WELLSFORD, PORT ALBERT, OKAHUKURA PENINSULA, GLORIT, TAUHOA, WAIPU, HELENSVILLE, PARAKAI and SHELLY BEACH at 02:22 pm and near OFFSHORE AUCKLAND WEST COAST, MAUNGATUROTO, KAIWAKA, BRYNDERWYN, WELLSFORD, TE ARAI, PORT ALBERT, KAIPARA FLATS, GLORIT, TAUHOA, WAIPU, WAIPU COVE, HELENSVILLE, KAUKAPAKAPA, PARAKAI and SHELLY BEACH at 02:52 pm.

More details and 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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in force for AUCKLAND, GREAT BARRIER ISLAND and NORTHLAND.

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 is due to be updated or lifted by 02:15 pm Friday 04 December 2009.