Severe thunderstorm warning

 

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST.

Issued by MetService at 05:06 pm Thursday 28 January 2010.

Valid until 05:52 pm Thursday 28 January 2010.

This warning affects people in the following local government areas:

FRANKLIN.

At 04:52 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near PUKEKOHE, TUAKAU, PATUMAHOE, TE KOHANGA, ONEWHERO and PUKEKAWA.

These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the west, and are expected to lie near PUKEKOHE, WAIUKU, PATUMAHOE, GLENBROOK, TUAKAU, PORT WAIKATO, TE KOHANGA and ONEWHERO at 05:22 pm and near PUKEKOHE, WAIUKU, PATUMAHOE, GLENBROOK, PORT WAIKATO, TE KOHANGA and ONEWHERO at 05:52 pm.

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

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

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in force for AUCKLAND, BAY OF PLENTY and WAIKATO.

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 05:52 pm Thursday 28 January 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.

http://www.metservice.co.nz/national/warnings/severe-thunderstorm-warnings#AUCKLAND