Rescue launched for people trapped between slips on SH2

A police rescue is underway to retrieve people stuck between landslips on State Highway 2 in the Waioeka Gorge between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne after severe thunderstorms.

Inspector Nicky Cooney said police were working with partner agencies on the rescue operation.

"If you have any loved ones travelling on State Highway 2 in the area, that haven’t checked in with you, please contact 105," Cooney said.

Almost 18,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the North Island in 19 hours following severe thunderstorms, with flooding and slips closing several parts of State Highway 2 between Ōpōtiki 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.

The forecaster issued severe thunderstorm warnings this morning, all which have since been lifted.

Only one warning remained in effect on Friday afternoon, a heavy rain watch for Nelson and Tasman north of Hope Saddle until 7am Saturday.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said State Highway 2 between Matawai and Waioweka would be closed for the entire weekend. 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 SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne, drive to the conditions, and be alert to the possibility of more flooding, debris and short notice closures.

"Allow plenty of extra time for a long detour."

Yesterday, footage supplied to 1News yesterday showed a small tornado spinning with dark clouds overhead in farmland at Maihihi.

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Severe thunderstorm watches issued for large parts of North Island

A low pressure system to the west is bringing "plenty of rain today to both islands", MetService said.

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Watch: Small tornado touches down in Waikato farmland

The clouds could be seen spinning above the phenomenon.

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Wetter weather on the way for some parts of the country

MetService meteorologist John Law said the low pressure system would bring "wetter weather, especially for the middle parts of the country".

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Wed, Jan 14

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.