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MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Auckland with warnings of large hail, strong wind gusts of 90km/h, torrential downpours and a chance of a “damaging” tornado.

The North Island is today cloaked in warnings and watches as stormy weather rolls over the country.

At 10.15am a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the southern Waikato and western Bay of Plenty as a band of thunderstorms moved over the district. The thunderstorms were expected to bring very heavy rain with a threat of flash flooding.

The severe thunderstorm watch extends until at least 5pm for Auckland, Northland and over the Great Barrier Island.

Later on, the same watch comes into force for Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupō at 10am and is expected to last for 12 hours.

The storms are expected to be embedded with torrential downpours with up 40mm of rain falling in an hour, which can lead to slips and flash flooding.

Wind gusts are expected to blow at around 90km/h, and there is a chance of a “damaging tornado”, according to MetService.

Hail the size of gumballs could also fall.

MetService said Aucklanders would see a deterioration in weather conditions from midday and from the morning until early afternoon for Northland.

The same watch is in place for Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Taupō from 1pm until 6pm.

“Unstable showery conditions spread southwards onto the central North Island this afternoon, with a moderate risk of thunderstorms.”

The thunderstorms are expected to ease by this evening, but strong winds are forecast to persist.

A heavy rain warning is in place for the Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua and Gisborne, north of Ruatōria from 11am for 12 hours.

A heavy rain watch is in place for Wairarapa, the eastern hills and ranges of Wellington and the Kaikōura Coast from 9am.

Much of the central North Island is also under a watch from midday with the risk of thunderstorms in the evening as they move off the upper half of the island.

Severe thunderstorms and downpours are likely this evening in eastern areas of the Waikato and Taupō.

MetService has also issued a raft of strong wind watches for much of the North Island.

This includes Auckland and Northland from 9pm, with winds approaching severe gales in some areas.

A watch is in place for Horowhenua to Wellington, Wairarapa, the ranges of Marlborough and Nelson east of Wakefield overnight tonight, beginning from 6pm.

Watches are also in place for eastern areas of the Tararua District and Hawke’s Bay, about and south of Cape Kidnappers and also the Mahia Peninsula.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said it had been a “very active” morning of weather, with 3671 lightning strikes between midnight and 8.30am.

She said 728 reached the ground, causing danger for people, livestock and the electrical grid.

Makgabutlane advised people, especially North Islanders, to keep a close eye on the rain radar as there was a chance thunderstorms could roll in at any point today, bringing damaging hail, heavy rain and more lightning.

“The atmosphere is so primed for thunderstorm activity today,” she said.

Auckland Emergency Management general manager Adam Maggs warned drivers to avoid surface flooding on the roads.

“Turn around and find an alternative route, even if it adds a bit of time to your journey,” he said in a video shared on Facebook.

“Driving through water can cause damage to your vehicle’s engine, something no one wants in the lead-up to the holidays.”

Maggs said floodwater could also conceal debris and other dangerous hazards, and could rise rapidly.

“So the best thing to do is to stay out of it altogether. Take it slow and don’t go.”

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging people to drive with care and caution on Coromandel roads.

“Heavy rain is scheduled between 4am-11pm across the Peninsula, including the west from Thames to Coromandel, the north from Coromandel to Whitianga and the east from Whitianga to Waihi,” the agency said.

“There is the potential for localised downpours, thunderstorms and high winds.

“These conditions are likely to bring with them risks such as surface and flash flooding, slippery road surfaces, fallen trees and slips.”

NZTA said drivers should anticipate trees or debris on the road just around the next corner.

“Slow down and keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. Keep your headlights on to increase visibility.”