Tauranga on alert after killer storm hits Auckland

Updated: 3.45pm

MetService reports that a line of active thunderstorms is currently moving across eastern Waikato, Bay of Plenty and northern Taupo spreading into the ranges of Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.

Some of these thunderstorms are likely to be severe, with damaging winds and possible damaging tornadoes, as well as brief heavy rain and possible large hail.

These strong winds and possible tornadoes may cause some structural damage, including damage to trees and power lines, and make driving hazardous.

If any tornados occur, they will only affect very localised areas.

The advice for people who feel threatened by severe weather approaching is to find shelter immediately.

Updated: 3.30pm

Sever weather battering parts of the North Island seems to be making its way into Tauranga.

The Bay of Plenty Times has had reports of heavy rain in the Kaimai Range and heavy hail in Pyes Pa.

A reader reported the worst rain he had ever driven through in Omokoroa.

Earlier:

A severe weather warning has been issued for parts of the North Island including the Bay of Plenty after three people were killed after an apparent tornado hit west Auckland.

Police sources have confirmed that three had died in the west Auckland storm.

The Bay of Plenty Times has had reports of heavy rain in Pyes Pa and flooding on State Highway 29 near Kaimai School.

A severe weather warning has been issued for parts of the North Island with more heavy rain expected for Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo and Taihape.

Philip Duncan of Weather Watch said the storm was unlikely to hit Tauranga, however the region could be in for some heavy rain this evening,

"You won't get the worst of it and before it gets to you its got to to go over the Kaimai Ranges first.

"The hills tend to kill of the cloud a bit more and kill off the energy so if it did get to you, it shouldn't be as strong or as powerful as here in Auckland."

"At this stage I don't think it's anything to worry about for you in Tauranga. It's heading more towards Rotorua and Taupo."

Up in Auckland, Mr Duncan said it was "dead calm" but very wet with heavy rain.

On Facebook

People comment on our Facebook page about the weather situation near their home or workplace.

Michelle Sefton  from Te Puke said: "...Wind is up...hillz cant be seen anymore...in fact i cant see more than 10 feet in any direction...just wind proofed the yard, tramp is tied down, everything is off the deck...im ready lol."

Piripi Ellis commented that it is misty in Matapihi, and that "the birds are flying around like crazy'

According to Rosalie Liddle Crawford, who is in Bethlehem, there is no rain at the moment. She said she was mowing the lawns at around 3.15pm this afternoon.