Severe thunderstorm watch for Tauranga

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A severe thundestorm watch has been issued for Tauranga with warnings of possible tornadoes overnight.

Metservice has this morning issued the watch for the Bay of Plenty area and warns of squally winds and possible tornadoes which could cause some structural damage, plus damage to trees and power lines to localised areas tonight.

Earlier this week people reported mini tornadoes ripping up property near Waihi and throwing boats at Pilot Bay across the beach and road.

An active front is expected to move northeast over much of cental and northern New Zealand.

There is a high risk of thunderstorms associated with the front as it travels from western areas this afternoon across the North Island overnight.

Metservice said a few of these thunderstorms might be severe and bring winds in excess of 110km/h.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.