A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued this morning, following a night of wild weather across the country.
Yesterday, MetService said thundestorms and heavy rain would lash parts of the country overnight into Friday, a far cry from the sweltering temperatures and clear skies of last weekend.
Shortly before 6am, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Ōpōtiki, Western Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne, Kawerau and Rotorua.
"MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near Kawerau, Rotoehu, Rotoiti, Lake Tarawera and Rerewhakaaitu.
"These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the eastsoutheast, and are expected to lie near Waiohau, Matahina, Murupara, Galatea and Kopuriki at 06:22 am and near Matahi at 06.52 am," it said.
These thunderstorms were expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain, which could cause surface and flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in force for Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and Waikato.
In Waikato, footage supplied to 1News showed a small tornado spinning with dark clouds overhead in farmland at Maihiihi.
The National Emergency Management Agency advised that as storms approach people should take shelter, secure any loose objects around your property and beware of fallen trees and power lines.
Full list of watches and warnings
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Opotiki, Western Bay of Plenty, Whakatane, Kawerau, Rotorua - from 5.52am today.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Gisborne, Hawkes Bay - six hours from 5am to 11am today.
Waikato - two hours from 5am to 7am today.
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Bay of Plenty and Rotorua - 15 hours from 8pm Thursday to 11am today.
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