Weather: Thunderstorm, flooding threat for Auckland; 31,000 lightning strikes in eight hours

Aucklanders are being warned to take extreme care as thunderstorms and downpours continue today, with an ongoing threat of flooding.

MetService is warning thunderstorms are “knocking on the door” for Auckland and Northland.

A heavy rain watch has been issued for Coromandel from 4pm this afternoon, as well as for Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne.

This comes after torrential downpours battered the region overnight and 31,000 lightning strikes were recorded over the country between midnight and 8am.

It's another active start to the week as a low pressure system crosses the North Island late tonight into tomorrow

This brings showery (and thundery!) weather to the upper half of the North Island

Best to check the forecast before heading out🤓https://t.co/Yjbq0jgaoz pic.twitter.com/dB7DHKgsQT

— MetService (@MetService) May 21, 2023

Early morning Radar📡

Thunderstorms are knocking on the door of Auckland and Northland

Keep the Rain Radar on hand at https://t.co/prKU7NLNY1 pic.twitter.com/k77uhwp8DM

— MetService (@MetService) May 21, 2023

“There’s been some thunderstorm activity around the region and it’s expected to continue for the morning. Localised downpours could occur anywhere in the region, and surface flooding is very possible,” Auckland Emergency Management said in a post on Facebook.

Mōrena Auckland. ⛈ There's been some thunderstorm activity around the region and expected to continue for the morning, with really heavy rain in places. Surface flooding is very possible. 🚗Drive to the conditions, and don't drive through floodwaters.
^MP

— Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) (@AucklandCDEM) May 21, 2023

From midnight to 8:00 am, more than 31,000 lighting strikes have been observed over the Tasman Sea & Aotearoa New Zealand.

So, it will be a squally, thundery type day across the upper-half of the North Island.

Keep that in mind when on the roads 🚗🚘. pic.twitter.com/3uVgsFkQLZ

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) May 21, 2023

“Take extreme care if you are driving in heavy rain, and delay trips if possible. Do not drive through floodwaters.”

MetService said gusty thunderstorms and hail for the upper North Island are possible as another low-pressure system crosses the island today and tomorrow.

Bay of Plenty is now in the firing line of the worst weather.

MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for the area about and east ofWhakatāne. The warning is in force until 9am tomorrow.

🔁 Another low pressure system crosses the North Island on Monday/Tuesday - here's the key info

🟡 Heavy Rain Watches for Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti Gisborne

⛈ Chance of gusty thunderstorms and hail for the upper North Island

ℹ Severe Weather info https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5 pic.twitter.com/Jt339US3Qz

— MetService (@MetService) May 20, 2023

It's another active start to the week as a low pressure system crosses the North Island late tonight into tomorrow

This brings showery (and thundery!) weather to the upper half of the North Island

Best to check the forecast before heading out🤓https://t.co/Yjbq0jgaoz pic.twitter.com/dB7DHKgsQT

— MetService (@MetService) May 21, 2023

The forecaster said heavy rain and thunderstorms are possible, with the chance that rainfall amounts may reach warning criteria.

A heavy rain watch also kicks in for the Gisborne and Wairoa area at midnight tonight.

It comes as the regions attempt to dry out from an extended period of rain which has caused surface flooding, downed trees and slips.