Update 4.18: The warning has been lifted for the Waikato and now applies to South Waikato until 4.37pm
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Issued by MetService at 03:32 pm Thursday 28 January 2010.
Valid until 04:15 pm Thursday 28 January 2010.
This warning affects people in the following local government areas:
MANUKAU, NORTH SHORE, AUCKLAND, WAIKATO, PAPAKURA, WAITAKERE, FRANKLIN and RODNEY.
At 03:15 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near MARAMARUA, MANGATAWHIRI, AUCKLAND and AUCKLAND CITY.
These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the westnorthwest, and are expected to lie near POKENO, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, MERCER, AUCKLAND, HENDERSON and MANUKAU HEADS at 03:45 pm and near PUKEKOHE, TUAKAU, PATUMAHOE, AUCKLAND, KUMEU, PIHA, MURIWAI BEACH and HUAPAI at 04:15 pm.
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 BAY OF PLENTY and WAIKATO.
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 04:15 pm Thursday 28 January 2010 .
For more information on the thunderstorm track, please see http://www.metservice.com/public/weatherWarnings/thunderstorm-warnings.html