Severe thunderstorms have been detected across parts of Taranaki and the central North Island, with warnings of hail, frequent lightning and torrential rain.
Flash flooding is possible when heavy rain and thunderstorms lash the North Island today, forecasters have warned.
MetService is warning of damaging thunderstorms to hit New Plymouth, Inglewood, Tarata and Leperton within the next hour.
“These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain and frequent lightning,” the forecast agency wrote.
“Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
“Frequent lightning is dangerous to people and livestock, especially those exposed outdoors or on the water, and can cause power surges and damage to electrical equipment.
This follows a raft of weather watches and warnings as a large low-pressure system moves across the North Island.
🟠🟡A look ahead to Wednesday shows several Severe Weather Watches and Warnings in place as a large low pressure system crosses the North Island
— MetService NZ (@MetService) December 1, 2025
Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and thunderstorms with downpours and hail are all likely for the North Island🌧️ 💨⛈️ pic.twitter.com/7WiaZhLl3M
Forecaster Oscar Shivipi told the Herald there would be a risk of flooding across the affected regions.
“We are expecting the rainfall amount to reach 25-40mm per hour,” he said.
A heavy rain warning is in place for the Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Ruatōria and inland ranges until midnight.
“Expect 80 to 120mm of rain, with highest accumulations expected east of Ōpōtiki,” MetService said.
“Peak intensities 15 to 25mm/h, but possibly 25 to 40mm/h in localised areas. Thunderstorms and downpours [are] possible.”
Heavy rain watches are forecast to come into force for Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Auckland from this morning until this afternoon and evening.
A strong wind watch is also forecast to begin for Northland and Auckland - including Great Barrier Island - from 10pm until 8am tomorrow.
Wednesday is set to be a busy day across the North Island
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) December 2, 2025
Areas of heavy rain are likely to occur, especially in the central and lower North Island
Thunderstorms are expected, and some of them may be strong
Gusty winds developing, particularly near Cook Strait later in the day pic.twitter.com/qyZuqM9rGv
Auckland Emergency Management general manager Adam Maggs warned drivers to avoid surface flooding on the roads.
“Turn around and find an alternative route, even if it adds a bit of time to your journey,” he said in a video shared on Facebook.
“Driving through water can cause damage to your vehicle’s engine, something no one wants in the lead-up to the holidays.”
Maggs said floodwater could also conceal debris and other dangerous hazards, and could rise rapidly.
“So the best thing to do is to stay out of it altogether. Take it slow and don’t go.”
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging people to drive with care and caution on Coromandel roads.
“Heavy rain is scheduled between 4am and 11pm across the Peninsula, including the west from Thames to Coromandel, the north from Coromandel to Whitianga and the east from Whitianga to Waihi,” the agency said.
“There is the potential for localised downpours, thunderstorms and high winds.
“These conditions are likely to bring with them risks such as surface and flash flooding, slippery road surfaces, fallen trees and slips.”
NZTA said drivers should anticipate trees or debris on the road just around the next corner.
“Slow down and keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. Keep your headlights on to increase visibility.”
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