Thunderstorm building near Wairoa. Photo: Supplied
The severe thunderstorm warning has been lifted for Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
MetService said the thunderstorms had weakened, so the warnings were lifted, but a severe thunderstorm watch remains in place until 7pm Friday.
Earlier, MetService's weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near Waimata, Kanakanaia, Elsthorpe and Patangata.
In the Bay of Plenty, the areas of Edgecumbe, Taneatua, Awakeri and Te Teko were expected to be impacted by the storms.
It warned the regions to prepare for torrential rain, hail and frequent lightning.
"These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain and hail," MetService posted on X. "Hail can cause damage to crops, orchards and vines, and may make driving conditions hazardous."
Earlier, a Wairoa resident said the weather was building up quickly.
"There are big dark clouds rolling in and I just spoke to someone in Frasertown," she said. "They're getting big thunder and lightning, followed by heavy rain."
Another person working near Te Reinga said thunder had been rumbling loudly for several minutes.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
— MetService NZ (@MetService) November 14, 2025
Area: Central Hawkes Bay, Hastings
Forecast: At 02:15 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near TIKOKINO, BRIDGE PA, MARAEKAKAHO, PAKIPAKI, TE HAUKE, PUKEHOU, POUKAWA and GWAVAS.
These severe thunderstorms are moving towards… pic.twitter.com/8ktKefn0hU
National Emergency Management Agency's advice
- Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows
- Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside
- Get back to land, if outdoors on the water
- 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:
Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Gisborne and the wider Hawke's Bay area remain under a severe thunderstorm watch.
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