Severe gales up to 140km/h as heavy rain and 4m swells hit central New Zealand

Fresh thunderstorm, tornado threat for north while central regions brace for 140km/h gales

Thunderstorms bringing a threat of small tornadoes are forecast to rattle the top of the North Island this evening as central regions brace for powerful 140 km/h gales and heavy rain.

Severe gales up to 140km/h as heavy rain and 4m swells hit central New Zealand

Severe gales gusting up to 140km/h are set to sweep across parts of the country, as heavy rain continues in the South Island and warning-level swells loom...