Severe thunderstorms expected in Northland

Severe thunderstorms are possible in Northland today. Photo / File / Thinkstock

More than 100 lightning strikes have hit Northland this morning as another severe weather warning is issued for the district, with heavy rain and more thunderstorms expected later today.

The MetService says an active trough will move slowly southwards across Northland today accompanied by a band of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms, especially in eastern parts of the district.

Those areas also ran a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms with localised downpours of 20-40mm per hour and possibly more.

MetService forecasters warned that rainfall of such intensity could cause flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas near streams and rivers or in narrow valleys. It could also cause slips and hazardous driving conditions with surface flooding and poor visibility.

The trough is expected to pass by tomorrow morning, by which time it could dump 80-100mm of rain with up to 140mm in some areas.

High tide on the east coast, when flood-prone Kaeo is at its most vulnerable, is due around 6.45pm.

The warning comes just days after the last severe weather warning when damaging, gale force winds buffeted the Whangarei and Kaipara districts.