Thunderstorms set to hit North Island

MetService is still warning about severe thunderstorms due to hit the North Island this morning.

The storms are over Northland at the moment and are expected to cross the Coromandel just before dawn, move on to the western Bay of Plenty then clear East Cape around noon.

Wind gusts of more than 110 kilometres an hour are possible, with some localised heavy downpours and possibly tornados near coastal areas.

MetService says we could see trees and power lines down, flash flooding and slips. Drivers are being warned to take extreme care.

- NEWSTALK ZB