Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Northland, Auckland

MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Auckland and Northland that could cause surface and flash flooding.

A heavy rain watch is also in place for Tairāwhiti Gisborne.

The Auckland and Northland watch is currently in place for 7 hours from 12pm to 7pm today.

The Tairāwhiti Gisborne heavy rain watch is in place from 9pm today to 9am Wednesday, December 6.

In the north of Auckland, severe thunderstorms are possible in the area indicated, and can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, MetService said in a Facebook post.

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MetService added to take extra care, as a red thunderstorm warning may be issued if any of the thunderstorms are severe.

The latest update comes after MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told 1News the country currently has a large draw of warm, moist air from the tropics, which provides the "juice" for active weather over the North Island.