NZ Weather Forum

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SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Issued by MetService at 07:11 pm Tuesday 30 November 2010.
Valid until 08:00 pm Tuesday 30 November 2010.

This warning affects people in the following local government areas:
TAUPO.

At 07:00 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near RANGITAIKI.

These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the northwest, and are expected to lie near RANGITAIKI and IWITAHI at 07:30 pm and near TAUPO and IWITAHI at 08:00 pm.

These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain and large hail.

Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.

Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in force for BAY OF PLENTY, HAWKES BAY and TAUPO.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management advises that as storms approach you should:
- Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;
- Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;
- Move cars under cover or away from trees;
- Secure any loose objects around your property;
- Check that drains and gutters are clear;
- Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.
During and after the storm, you should also:
- Beware of fallen trees and power lines;
- Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.

This warning is due to be updated or lifted by 08:00 pm Tuesday 30 November 2010.

NOTE: Only severe thunderstorm tracks are shown in the graphic. Other thunderstorms may exist in the area.

MEDIA PLEASE NOTE: This warning will be updated within the next hour or so. MetService would appreciate it being broadcast regularly during this period.