Storm clouds gather over Central Hawke's Bay. Weather. 29th November 2017 Hawke's Bay Today Photograph by Paul Taylor.
Storm clouds gather over Central Hawke's Bay. Weather. 29th November 2017 Hawke's Bay Today Photograph by Paul Taylor.
The MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Hastings and Central Hawke's Bay, as people are advised to stay under cover.
MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near Otane, Pakipaki, Pa tangata, Te Hauke and Poukawa.
These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast, and are expected to lienear Hastings, Havelock North, Pakipaki, Elsthorpe and Poukawa at 01:37 pm and near Hastings, Cape Kidnappers, Waimarama, Havelock North, Haumoana, Pakipaki and Ocean Beach at 02:07 pm.
These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain.
Met Service warned that 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 also remains in force for the rest of Hawke's Bay and Tararua.
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, people should beware of fallen trees and power lines, and avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.
