Thundery rain set to lash parts of NZ

Thundery rain is set to lash northern and central New Zealand today.

MetService has issued a warning for the Richmond Range, the headwaters of the Whanganui River and ranges east of the Bay of Plenty.

Forecaster Ian Miller said yesterday that up to 80mm could have fall by this morning.

The Bay of Plenty is next in line for the thundery showers and Mr Miller said up to 80mm could fall in the ranges.

Heavy falls were also forecast to hit the Marlborough Sounds last night and to continue this morning.

The Tararua Ranges and areas north of Gisborne are also set for a heavy dumping later today and squally thunderstorms will also hit parts of Northland and the Coromandel.

- NZHERALD STAFF