New Zealand weather
12 June 2022:
Tornado leaves a trail of destruction on Kapiti Coast, MetService warns of heavy snow, large hail and huge swells.
A tornado has hit the Kapiti Coast and power was briefly cut to Wellington CBD as wild weather hits the lower North Island.
MetService said there were 1300 lightning strikes across the lower North Island over a period of two hours.
What you need to know:
- A small tornado hit Waikanae and Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast just before 1 pm on Thursday.
- Kapiti Coast District Council says 12 homes have reported damage.
- A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for Waitomo, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū, Kāpiti-Horowhenua and Wellington.
Watch the following video.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency news
Rain makes roads extra slippery, so take extra care when you’re driving! Increase your following distances, reduce your speed, and drive to the conditions. Visibility is also worse, so pay special attention for others on the roads, and turn your lights on to help others see you.
Ashhurst: local Scott Groves went down to the Ashhurst park and said the “debris trail is 1km long and 100m wide. An eyewitness at the campground described funnel lifting in front of them”
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group media stand-up. Joint agencies media stand up: Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise, Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller Ian Macdonald, Fire and Emergency NZ Area Manager Ken Cooper, and Hawke’s Bay DHB’s Medical Officer of Health Dr Nick Jones