Photo: Supplied / MetService
A severe thunderstorm warning has been lifted for Northland, but more rocky weather is still on the way.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been lifted as of 7.30pm for all areas except southern Coromandel Peninsula, western Bay of Plenty and eastern Waikato.
Thunderstorms continue to affect Bay of Plenty and eastern Waikato, and may spread into southern Coromandel Peninsula this evening, MetService said.
For southern Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty between about Whangamatā and Whakatāne, and eastern Waikato near the Kaimai/Mamaku ranges, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe up to about 10pm this evening with localised downpours of 25-45mm/h, the forecaster said.
MetService has issued thunderstorm watches for large parts of the North Island today.
Thunderstorms could also develop in Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay, with localised downpours this evening.
Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne and Taihape are also set to be hit by rain.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued
— MetService (@MetService) January 5, 2024
Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Taihape
⌚9hrs from noon - 9pm Sat, 6 Jan
⛈ Full details at https://t.co/GZIq9J48pw pic.twitter.com/5LJ5WPqDwT
MetService said the intensity of the rainfall could cause surface or flash flooding in low-lying areas, and driving conditions are also expected to be hazardous.
