Severe thunderstorm watch for Northland

Cyclone Debbie delivered plenty of overnight rain across Northland.

It was a wet night across Northland with the tail end of Cyclone Debbie delivering plenty of rain but it appears no serious damage.

However, MetService have issued a severe thunderstorm watch this morning which is valid through to 6am tomorrow.

It covers northern New Zealand, that is from Northland to Taranaki, including Coromandel Peninsula and across Taupo and Bay of Plenty.

MetService said there is a risk of severe thunderstorms or severe convection during today, bringing a continued risk of localised downpours of 25 to 45mm/hr.

Rainfall of this intensity can cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.

These severe thunderstorms or severe convection also have the potential to bring strong wind gusts exceeding 110km/hr, as well as the possibility of a small tornado.

Wind gusts of this strength can cause some structural damage, including trees and power lines, and may make driving hazardous. If any tornadoes occur, they will only affect very localised areas and more likely near coastal areas.