Thunderstorms could see small tornadoes in Northland - MetService

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Thunderstorms could hit Northland today, bringing with them the potential for small tornadoes and large hail.

MetService meteorologist David Miller said the thunderstorms were expected to develop over the land this afternoon and evening, moving northwards.

"The main risk will be from localised downpours with risk of surface flooding, small tornadoes, and large hail," he said.

The thunderstorms are expected to affect Northland, including Whangarei, Kerikeri, and Kaitaia.

MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the region, meaning conditions are favourable for thunderstorms to develop.

MetService advises people to take the following precautions:

Stay indoors if possible.
If you must go outside, be aware of your surroundings and seek shelter if you see any signs of a thunderstorm, such as dark clouds, lightning, or thunder.
If you see a tornado, take cover immediately in a sturdy building. Stay away from windows and doors.
If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop until the storm passes.
Keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings from MetService.

Tornadoes are violent rotating columns of air that extend from the base of a thunderstorm cloud to the ground.

They are caused by the interaction of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico with cold, dry air from the north.

The warm air rises, creating an updraft. The updraft then turns into a rotating column of air, which can become a tornado if it reaches the ground.

The best way to stay safe from tornadoes is to be aware of the weather forecast and take precautions if a tornado warning is issued for your area.

If you are in a tornado warning, take the following steps: