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This warning affects people in the following local government areas: WHAKATANE and TAUPO.
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At 05:00 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near TAUPO.
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These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the east.
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These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.
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Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
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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.
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