Storm’s full force still to come – MetService

Updated 1:30PM Tuesday April 29, 2008
By Craig Borley

Photo / Keith Brimmer

Thunderstorms, lightning, torrential rain and gale-force winds will strike much of the country this afternoon and tomorrow as two huge fronts collide.

MetService forecaster Oliver Druce said there is a lull in the rain at the moment but a lot more is to come later this afternoon.

Thunderstorms are predicted from Northland to Westland. Taranaki and the Kapiti Coast expected to be worst-hit, bearing the brunt of the weather tomorrow morning.

An updated forecast from MetService this morning said “intense downpours” would bring between 60 – 100mm of rain to areas in the North Island today.

Boaties are being warned to check moorings before the weather hits, and people are being cautioned to stay away from rapidly rising waterways in the eastern North Island.

MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt told the Herald people in the worst hit areas should avoid driving if possible, as the wind, wet and poor visibility would make driving conditions perilous today and tomorrow.