Rain and thunderstorms are lashing the country tonight - with downpours, chilly temperatures and showers set to continue until the end of the week.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the upper half of the North Island this afternoon. Heavy rain, showers, strong winds gusting to 100 km/h, hail and the risk of a small tornado were predicted.
There is also a possibility that a few of these thunderstorms could become severe, producing damaging winds of 110 km/h or stronger or a damaging tornado, MetService reported.
Wind gusts of this strength can cause structural damage, including trees and power lines, and make driving hazardous. If any tornadoes occur, they will only affect very localised areas.
MetService meteorologist Josh Griffin said the Taranaki area had been hit with 100 lightning strokes in the last few hours.