MetService warns West Coast of thunderstorms, potential tornado

Further thunderstorms are also likely to affect Westland on Thursday. Photo: Freddie Marriage/ Unsplash

Severe thunderstorms, hail and the chance of a small tornado are forecast to hit the West Coast later on Wednesday.

MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Westland, with morning thunderstorms expected to die out before returning late afternoon or evening.

Between 5pm and 11pm a few of the thunderstorms may be severe, with localised downpours of up to 40mm per hour, hail, and possibly a small localised tornado.

If a tornado does occur, it may cause localised damage to buildings and vegetation.

Further thunderstorms are also likely to affect Westland on Thursday.