{"id":16315,"date":"2026-01-15T20:14:27","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T07:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebuzz.apnanetwork.co.nz\/?p=16315"},"modified":"2026-01-15T20:15:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T07:15:00","slug":"weather-severe-thunderstorms-heavy-rain-warnings-for-north-island-upper-south","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thebuzz.apnanetwork.co.nz\/?p=16315","title":{"rendered":"Weather: Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain warnings for North Island, upper South"},"content":{"rendered":"

Severe thunderstorm and\u00a0heavy rain watches<\/a>\u00a0are in place for the\u00a0top half of the country<\/a>\u00a0and upper South Island, with surface flooding and slips possible.<\/p>\n

MetService is warning people to prepare for localised downpours of 25 to 40 millimetres an hour.<\/p>\n

An orange rain warning is in force for Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, until 11am on Friday, with up to 150 millimetres expected.<\/p>\n

The forecaster has also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Kaipara, Rodney, Waitomo, Taupo, Ruapehu and Otorohanga.<\/p>\n

These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast, and are expected to lie near Wellsford, Kaiwaka, Okahukura Peninsula, Yauhoa and Port Albert at 7.30pm and near Warkwoth, Puhoi, Kaipara Flats, Matakana and Ahuroa at 8pm.<\/p>\n

These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain.<\/p>\n

A severe thunderstorm warning was earlier issued for South Waikato, Matamata Piako, Western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, but the warning lapsed at 4.30pm.<\/p>\n

Northland, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taihape, Wanganui, Manawat\u016b, Tararua, Taranaki,\u00a0Wellington, Wairarapa all remain under a severe thunderstorm watch<\/a>\u00a0until late on Thursday night, while Auckland, Waikato, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula’s watches are in place until early Friday morning.<\/p>\n

Heavy rain is also set to lash the top of the South, with an orange warning in place for northern parts of Marlborough until late Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n

Rain watches are in place on Thursday across Nelson, Tasman, and southern Marlborough, including the Kaik\u014dura Coast.<\/p>\n

Marlborough District Council said Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges, Rai Valley, Blenheim, Seddon and Ward residents should expect 60 to 90 millimetres of rain on top of what has already fallen.<\/p>\n

It warned people travelling in the region to be cautious of slips and flooding.<\/p>\n

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Beware of localised downpours<\/h3>\n
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\"MetService<\/p>\n

MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons says the severe thunderstorm watches may be upgraded.\u00a0<\/span>Photo:\u00a0MetService\/Supplied<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons told RNZ the severe thunderstorm watches could be upgraded.<\/p>\n

“There’s a lot going on around the country, I think something that could catch people out today are just those localised downpours in one area.<\/p>\n

“And watch out for those thunderstorm warnings,” she said.<\/p>\n

MetService said people should make sure their drains and gutters are clear before the heavy rain hits.<\/p>\n

It also warned travellers to driving cautiously with difficult driving conditions likely.<\/p>\n

Surface flooding in Wellington<\/h3>\n

Some roads in the Wellington region were already showing signs of flooding.<\/p>\n

Porirua City Council said there were reports of rising water levels water on parts of Mana Esplanade and Warspite Avenue.<\/p>\n

While the roads were not closed at this point, the council was encouraging people to exercise caution driving in those areas.<\/p>\n

The heavy rain was expected to ease in the region after 4pm Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n

There was also some flooding along State Highway Two at Ngauranga in Wellington and in Lower Hutt.<\/p>\n

Police were helping to direct traffic, with culverts overflowing onto the road.<\/p>\n

Road closures or delays possible – NZTA<\/h3>\n

A New Zealand Transport Agency spokesperson said motorists should drive with care, maintain safe following distances and slow down, to help keep everyone safe.<\/p>\n

“Our crews will be closely monitoring the state highways while these watches and warnings are in place.<\/p>\n

“Those who are travelling on the roads should be aware of possible flooding, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers, slips, fallen trees, reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions, and potential road closures or delays.”<\/p>\n

The heavy rain could cause potholes to form or worsen, creating additional hazards for drivers, the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n

They also said travellers should be mindful of contractors who may be out clearing hazards off the road.<\/p>\n

There are currently no reports from NZTA of state highway closures due to weather.<\/p>\n

Both Air New Zealand and Jetstar said there were no flight disruptions or cancellations at this stage.<\/p>\n

The airlines encouraged customers to check the status of their flight online or via their apps for the latest updates.<\/p>\n

Good news for some<\/h3>\n
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\"The<\/p>\n

A recent fire on Waitara Road burned through 22 hectares of bush.\u00a0<\/span>Photo:\u00a0FIRE AND EMERGENCY NZ \/ SUPPLIED<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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