Firefighters cover a roof in Ranui that lost tiles to yesterday's tornado. Picture / Kenny Rodger

Firefighters cover a roof in Ranui that lost tiles to yesterday's tornado. Picture / Kenny Rodger

The MetService is warning more wild weather could hit northern regions today after a mini tornado yesterday which swept through West Auckland damaging roofs, uprooting trees and causing widespread flooding.

A heavy rain warning was issued last night, with thunderstorms and up to 100mm of rain expected to fall in Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula by this afternoon.

Yesterday's tornado struck in Martin Jugum Lane about 3.30pm, heralding a severe electric storm that caused flooding, landslips and damage throughout West Auckland, the North Shore and central city.

Firefighters have now been called to around 200 incidents since yesterday afternoon. The AA is warning this morning that surface flooding is particularly deep at the end of the North-Western Motorway at Westgate where State Highways 16 and 18 meet.

Further north, police says there are still concerns about flooding on the Kaipara Coast Highway. International and domestic flights were also affected at Auckland airport.

Ranui resident Cathy Andrews had been chatting to a friend in Australia on the internet when she heard a "tremendous crashing noise".

"I looked out the window and everything was flying everywhere - there were trees, fencing and tiles just flying all over the place," she said.

"I ran through the house shouting 'Tornado! Tornado!'

"There was this absolute roar and it's something you wouldn't want to live through again."

Further down the road Isaac Cheriyam felt his house bear the full brunt of the tornado. "I was just watching TV when we heard this incredible noise," he said.

"The house then started rattling and the thunder and lightning came at the same time - I could hear it coming towards our house from the other side of the street."

Mr Cheriyam said the tornado petered out after it went past his home - throwing tiles on to his front lawn, denting his garage door and piling his outdoor dining set on top of itself.

The tornado left a trail of damage at least 100m long.

Ripped out

Large sections of fences had been ripped out of the ground and flown up to 40m through the air.

Housing insulation was hanging from the inside of homes, roofing tiles were scattered throughout properties and outdoor furniture was thrown about like toys.