Forecasters are warning that swathes of the country could be hit by thunderstorms today, accompanied by snow, heavy rain, hail and strong wind. There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms from the west of the Tasman District to Fiordland including the adjacent Southern Alps, the MetService says. Several strong wind watches were issued yesterday for Northland, Coromandel and Auckland, with high winds causing two lanes on Auckland's harbour bridge to close in the afternoon. There is a risk of thunderstorms today for northern parts of the North Island, however, that risk will diminish by the end of the day. "Any thunderstorms that occur will bring brief heavy rain, small hail, and squally wind gusts of 80-90km/h," the MetService reported.

Source: New Zealand Herald September 12, 2022 22:59 UTC