Hail, some the size of marbles, has hit a number of places in the North Island this afternoon as parts of the island remain under a severe thunderstorm watch.
1News has been sent a number of photos and video of hail storms in Mangawhai, north of Auckland, Langs Beach, Northland, Auckland's Greenhithe and Whitianga on Coromandel Peninsula.
Mangawhai has been blanketed with hail, while some motorists had a cautious drive in northwest Auckland (Source: Karina Williams and Raewyn). (Source: Supplied)
Raewyn was driving from Silverdale to West Auckland with her husband and mum, 92, when the hail started "out of nowhere".
She said the hail became so heavy she had to pull over onto the shoulder of the motorway, like many others.
"We just waited — it was like snow on the side of the road.
"The very next turn-off to the motorway — dry as a bone."
"It was just wild," she said.
It comes as Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8pm today, with localised tornadoes possible.
"Thunderstorms are expected to develop over the north of the North Island by early Sunday afternoon," the meteorological service said.
"Additionally, about Waitomo north of Te Kuiti, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel Peninsula, and in the south and southeast of Auckland (from about Howick to Papakura and south of the Manukau Harbour), there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms becoming SEVERE this afternoon and early evening.
"These SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS could bring localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h, and also the possibility of localised tornadoes... If any tornadoes occur, they will only affect very localised areas."
Surface and/or flash flooding may occur, with drivers urged to take care amid hazards and poor visibility.
It comes as a heavy rain watch is in place for the Wairoa District and Tairāwhiti from 9am to 8pm today.
Strong wind watches are in place for Northland north of Hokianga Harbour/Paihia from 11am to 6pm today and Bay of Plenty east of Whakatāne from 7pm tonight to 6am tomorrow morning.
A strong wind watch is also in place for coastal Southland and Clutha, including Stewart Island, from 2pm to 8pm tomorrow.
"Please stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case changes are made, or more areas are added," MetService said.
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