<p>The MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning which affects the following local government areas:

AUCKLAND CITY, WAIKATO and FRANKLIN.

At 01:45 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near PUKEKOHE, DRURY, BOMBAY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, MANGATAWHIRI and MERCER.

These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the northnorthwest, and are expected to lie near PAPAKURA, HUNUA, MANUKAU, DRURY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, MERCER and ARARIMU at 02:15 pm and near AUCKLAND, PAPAKURA, HOWICK, HUNUA, MANUKAU, SOUTH AUCKLAND, POKENO, HUNUA, DRURY, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, THE HUNUA RANGES and ARARIMU at 02:45 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.

Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams.

Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms.

If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so.

**During and after a thunderstorm**
- Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows.
- Avoid sheltering under trees if outside.
- Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
- Stay up to date with weather forecasts.
- Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101.

**Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**</p>