Storm hits: Fires, power cuts, tornado warning
Severe thunderstorms were lashing parts of the upper North Island tonight following chaos further south, as a powerful storm moved across the country. The lower South Island shivered under snow, while lightning caused fires, and power outages for thousands of lower North Island residents this afternoon. Meteorologists forecast severe stormy weather across the upper North Island tonight, heading out to sea by midnight. "Some of these thunderstorms are likely to be severe...with the potential for damaging wind gusts of 130kmh. There is also a slight risk of small tornadoes," MetService forecaster Andy Downs said. Trees and power lines were at risk of damage, and driving may become hazardous. "Should severe weather approach, or if you feel threatened, take shelter immediately.
The Fire Service was busy with weather-related callouts, generally minor damage such as trees falling across roads. State Highway 1 at Rangiriri in the north Waikato was down to one lane due to fallen tree tonight. Auckland International Airport recorded gusts up to 100kmh, and more remote northern areas had been buffeted by much higher gusts as the rough weather hit the north tonight. Winds had reached hurricane force at Manukau Heads, a farming community west of Auckland Airport, WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan said. Gusts peaked at 154kmh.
"The Manukau Heads is a bit of wind tunnel, but hurricane force winds were recorded there for 15 minutes as the squall rolled through around 6.20 this evening," Mr Duncan said. Thunderstorms and squalls would continue tonight. People planning to visit west coast beaches in the Auckland region were advised to check weather warnings before venturing out this weekend. "We're expecting large swells as a result of the MetService severe weather warning, so people need to take care as unpredictable wave surges may come through," said Muriwai Regional Park manager Scott De Silva. The MetService forecast a 6m swell off the North Island's west coast.
There were more than 100 lightning strikes in the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa region today, setting fire to a shed and trees. The Fire Service said it extinguished the shed fire in Lower Hutt just after midday. About 3600 residents throughout the Hutt Valley lost power after two lightning strikes hit power substations in both areas, Wellington Electricity Lines spokesman Ryan Auger told NZPA. Power was restored to the last houses about 5.20pm. Downed powerlines were possible given the severe storm warning, Mr Auger said. He advised people to stay away, "always assume that they are live", and call the lines company on 0800 248 148.
Severe weather forecaster Paul Mallinson said tornadoes would most likely occur in coastal areas, but inland areas were not immune. Snow was expected in the North Island's central high country overnight. Thunderstorms and snow were also expected to continue in the South Island, with particularly heavy snowfalls south of Mt Cook. A heavy rain warning remained in place for Fiordland, the ranges of Westland south of Otira, and the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago rivers.
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