Storm warning for Hawke's Bay

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the Hawke's Bay.

A slow-moving trough over the Bay is forecast to drift north and reach Gisborne this evening. The rain watch has been upgraded to a warning, with heavy showers accompanying the trough and isolated thunderstorms a possibility.

Any storms occurring in Hawke's Bay are likely to be slow-moving and may bring localised downpours.

Rainfall of 50 to 70 millimetres is expected through until 10pm when the system is forecast to weaken.

Senior Sergeant Marty Edghill said Faraday St in Napier had been closed to traffic following a major slip, in which debris fell onto the road and destroyed a car.

At least four properties on the street were evacuated.

There were also reports of roads becoming impassable and vehicles stuck in flooding.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZHERALD STAFF