Almost 18,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the North Island in 19 hours as severe thunderstorms continue to lash some areas, with flooding and slips closing parts of State Highway 2 between Opotiki in Gisborne.
MetService said the strikes were recorded between Northland and Manawatū, with Taranaki and Waikato recording the highest number.
Yesterday, MetService said thunderstorms 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 8am, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Ōpōtiki, Gisborne, and Whakatāne. It has since been lifted.
Roads closed due to flooding, slips
At around the same the storm was hitting the area, State Highway 2 closed between Ōpōtiki and Matawai in the Gisborne district due to flooding and slips.
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said this closure has been extended, and flooding has also closed State Highway 2 between Whatatutu just north of Te Karaka and Waioweka Gorge.
"The flooding has caused slips and debris and crews are clearing the road where they can safely do so," the agency said.
Drivers were advised to avoid the stretch of SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne, drive to the conditions, and be alert to the possibility of more flooding, debris and short notice closures.
Police said it was advised of reports of a driver and passengers stuck in their vehicle on Waioeka Gorge Road (SH2) with a nearby river in flood and the water level rising around the vehicle.
"Police are currently trying to establish the exact whereabouts of the vehicle," a police spokesperson said.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in force for Gisborne.
An earlier warning for Waikato has since been lifted, but footage supplied to 1News yesterday showed a small tornado spinning with dark clouds overhead in farmland at Maihihi.
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.
In Hamilton, a resident said a lightning strike "took out a very tall pine tree on Mahoe Street".
"Set off car alarms, car horns, dogs and cats. Absolutely crazy," they said.
Full list of watches and warnings
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Gisborne - two hours from 11am to 1pm today.
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Bay of Plenty and Rotorua - 4 hours from 9am to 1pm Friday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Nelson and Tasman north of Hope Saddle - 12 hours from 7pm Friday to 7am Saturday.
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