Source: Radio New Zealand
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of the central North Island for Friday afternoon and evening.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for the central North Island
Thunderstorms could bring localised areas of very heavy rain and downpours through the second half of today. pic.twitter.com/u2igCHzhNH
— MetService NZ (@MetService) February 26, 2026
The yellow alert covers Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and Taihape.
MetService says there is a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms with localised rainfall of up to 40 millimetres an hour.
It could cause flooding in low lying areas, and slips.
Drivers should take care.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand


