Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Wellington

I love thunderstorms. Just don't seem to get the same kind of lightning here that I used to see in Christchurch, however.

The MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for this afternoon, for most of the North Island, including Wellington.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop in many parts of the North Island again today. In inland areas from Wairarapa and northern Wellington to Waikato, and from Taranaki to Gisborne. Some thunderstorms are expected to become severe this afternoon, with localised torrential rainfalls up to and possibly in excess of 40mm/hr.

Large hail over 20mm in diameter can also be expected with some of these severe thunderstorms.

This activity is expected to diminish from early to mid evening and to have died out by late evening.

Rainfall of this intensity can cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain. Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, as well as make driving conditions hazardous. Should severe weather approach or if you feel threatened, take shelter immediately.

I love the lightning and thunder, but all the extras that come with thunderstorms (the heavy rain, and possible hail etc) aren't as much fun.