Residents across northern New Zealand have been worken by thunderstorms this morning, especially over Northland says WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The active band of rain is sliding across northern New Zealand with the worst likely to ease this morning. 

WeatherWatch.co.nz has had dozens of comments from readers. “Sounded like a gun went off right next to me and just echoed, Ruakaka” wrote Jess Chapman. 

Gina Jones wrote “ouse is shaking from Thunder in Kamo! Really heavy rain and lots of lightning. Could hear the thunder coming half an hour before it actually started!”

“Dargaville area – Has been rumbling since 5:20am and no power since around that time as well. Rumbles are less frequent now” Jamie Melanson told WeatherWatch.co.nz. 

And in Auckland “Just now in newmarket the lightening was amazing” wrote Natalie Redman on our Facebook page.

Thunderstorms have been reported in Te Aroha, Eastern Waikato too – but the bulk are over Northland and not Auckland or Waikato.

Thunderstorms should ease this morning with rain tapering off later too. However heavy showers return overnight, some squally with a chance of isolated hail. 

STRONG WINDS COMING

Meanwhile despite the thunderstorms this morning conditions are fairly calm in Auckland so far – but windier weather is about to move in, especially overnight and into Thursday.

Tonight showers will return, some with hail. 

During Thursday winds may reach gale force from the south west – and could cause isolated power cuts. 

– WeatherWatch.co.nz