Thunderstorms have lashed the North Island overnight as the tumultuous holiday weather continues, with one mayor activating a relief fund to help local residents.
Much of the North Island above Wellington starts the day at some risk of thunderstorms, including Auckland and Northland, which face a low risk after severe thunderstorm warnings were placed on both regions.
MetService said the unstable conditions are because of a low front and associated trough moving slowly eastwards to central and upper parts of the island.
A more moderate risk is posed over the Coromandel Peninsula and western areas of the Bay of Plenty and further south from eastern Taranaki to northern Hawke’s Bay.
Heavy rain can be expected in these areas, reaching up to 25mm/h, and there is a risk of small hail.
The risk of thunderstorms continues in the same areas moving into the afternoon, with a moderate risk of thunderstorms ranging from North Taranaki to northern Hawke’s Bay and up into Auckland and Northland. Hail up to 20mm in diameter could fall in these areas.
However, there is a low risk of severe thunderstorms in Auckland and Northland, with downpours of up to 40mm/h possible, and the same conditions could be expected across central parts of the North Island.
Despite his district being spared from the worst of the rain today, Horowhenua District Mayor Bernie Wanden has activated the Mayoral Relief Fund to support residents impacted financially by recent severe weather.
“This weather event has been incredibly challenging for many in our community,” Wanden said, “particularly over the holiday period.
“While recovery efforts are well under way, we know some residents may need immediate financial support to help them get back on their feet.”
The fund will be providing targeted financial assistance for eligible residents because of the weather event and those unsure about whether it applies to them have been encouraged to look into asking for assistance.
“Asking for help is not a bad thing and it’s part of how we look after one another as a community.”
Severe weather yesterday resulted in a Grey Lynn house roof bursting into flames after being struck by lightning.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s senior station officer for Auckland City, Michael Manning, said 25 firefighters and five engines responded to the blaze and crews saw “heavy smoke” when they arrived.
Hato Hone St John responded to the fire with one ambulance and assessed two people in a minor condition but said they did not need transportation to hospital.
Firefighters also had to deal with a blaze in Mangawhai because of a lightning strike.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson told the Herald two fire engines and one tanker responded to the incident, which led to a blown fuse board, but the situation was soon under control.
The South Island has calmer conditions as the weather should stay mostly cloudy with scattered, isolated showers. There is a minimal risk of thunderstorms from inland Tasman to the Southern Alps.