Thunderstorms expected to hit North Island

FILE

Thunderstorms, heavy rain and possible tornadoes are on the way for western parts of the North Island overnight or early tomorrow morning.

MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch.

Forecaster Andy Downs says wind gusts reaching 110 kilometres an hour could bring down trees and power lines and cause structural damage.

"One or two of those thunderstorms could be severe, bringing heavy rain and strong wind gusts and even with potential around places like New Plymouth, Waitomo and parts of Waikato we might see tornadoes.''