MetService has lifted severe thunderstorm warnings after heavy rain and large hail hit Canterbury on Friday afternoon.
The warnings were lifted by 5pm. Earlier, at about 3:45pm, MetService said its radar detected "severe" thunderstorms near Christchurch, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Belfast, Woodend and Eyreton.
Hail fell in Kaiapoi just before 4pm, images supplied to Newshub suggested.
Storms were also detected in mid Canterbury, near Seafield and Pendarves, and were expected to lie near Rakaia, Southbridge, Lincoln, Dunsandel, Burnham and Irwell.
"These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain and large hail," MetService said.
The forecaster said heavy rain could cause surface flooding and cause "hazardous" driving conditions.
"Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous."
According to the National Emegergency Managemement Agency, people should take shelter, move cars under cover and secure any loose objects as storms approach.
