Mass lightning strikes are ripping across New Zealand on Friday afternoon as thunderstorms spread across the country.
Data from Transpower shows most of the North Island covered by cloud to cloud and cloud to ground strikes.
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MetService has issued a warning to Kiwis, and has a severe thunderstorm watch in place covering much of the North Island and inland upper South Island.
"Stay safe, avoid active lightning, and keep up to date with the MetService severe thunderstorm information," it says.
NIWA has issued a warning for lightning strikes across the North Island.
"A day to be particularly weather-aware with an elevated risk for lightning!" it said.
"Our high resolution rain & lightning forecast helps you time it out."
Auckland in particular is in the danger zone.
"Risk of SEVERE thunderstorms developing this afternoon/evening, bringing the threat of localised downpours," MetService said on Twitter.
The central North Island will be lashed by hail as large as 2cm across and wind gusts as high as 60 to 80km/h. Heavy rain of up to 40mm an hour is also expected.
"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips," MetService warns.
"Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, as well as make driving conditions hazardous."
Newshub.
