1:00:28 Thursday 23 October 2025

Severe thunderstorm watch issued

It might pay to batten down the hatches with the MetService expecting hail and thunder to hit the Bay of Plenty tonight.

The MetService's weather radar has detected severe thunderstorms near Kawerau, Edgecumbe, Awakeri, Matahina, Te Teko and Otakiri this afternoon.


The MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Bay of Plenty this afternoon. Photo: File

Whakatane, Edgecumbe, Taneatua, Awakeri, Te Teko, Kutarere, Taneatua, Awakeri, Waimana, Ruatoki North and Ohope are likely to be the towns most affected by the thunderstorms.

The thunderstorms are currently moving eastwards and are likely to bring localised heavy rain up to 25mm/hr as well as hail about 10 to 20mm in diameter.

The MetService says there's also a moderate risk of thunderstorms becoming severe and producing localised downpours with rainfall rates of 25 to 35mm/h, and hail larger than 20mm in diameter.

'Rainfall of this intensity can cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

'Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles. Driving conditions will also be hazardous in downpours and with large hail.”

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

The watch will be upgraded to a severe thunderstorm warning if there is rainfall of 25mm/h or more, hailstones 20mm in diameter or larger, and strong wind gusts of 110km/h or stronger.

As the storms approach the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management recommends:

  • 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.

says Whakatane, Edgecumbe, Taneatua, Awakeri, Te Teko, Kutarere, Taneatua, Awakeri, Waimana, Ruatoki North and Ohope will be the towns most affected by the thunderstorms.

The thunderstorms are currently moving eastwards and are likely to bring localised heavy rain up to 25mm/hr as well as hail about 10 to 20mm in diameter.

The MetService says there's a moderate risk of thunderstorms becoming severe and producing localised downpours with rainfall rates of 25 to 35mm/h, and hail larger than 20mm in diameter.

'Rainfall of this intensity can cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

'Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles. Driving conditions will also be hazardous in downpours and with large hail.”

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

The watch will be upgraded to a severe thunderstorm warning if there is rainfall of 25mm/h or more, hailstones 20mm in diameter or larger, and strong wind gusts of 110km/h or stronger.

As the storms approach the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management recommends:

  • 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.

1 comment

OH NO

Posted on 09-04-2016 15:02 | By The author of this comment has been removed.

i will have to tie my hollow log down,and get some more cardboard,me horse Nightmare will have to stay in the Whare just over a bit to stay out of this weather,so i need to batten down and turn on me lantern and pull the sacks down and snuggle up with me neighbour who is 92,(living the DREAM)Mumma Bear is not well today,so will stay over with Nightmare and i will sign off now 10-4 out.The NO1 IN THE BAY Thankyou


Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.