Severe thunderstorms passing over the upper North Island are delaying multiple flights at Auckland Airport.
Forecasters say the storm system that brought loud thunder to Auckland at about 1:10pm is now moving north through Rodney.
It was expected to bring localised torrential rain, large hail, thunder and lightning to some areas.
Several international and domestic flights from Auckland Airport have been delayed as the weather system moves north.
Flights to Christchurch, Tauranga and Blenheim are among those delayed, while a scheduled Air New Zealand trip to Wellington has been cancelled.
MetService said thunderstorms had been detected over much of the upper North Island.
It warned of flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas.
The Civil Defence advised people to take shelter away from windows and trees and windows if they were caught near an approaching storm.
A Fire Service communications spokesperson said there had been no reports of damage from the storms in Auckland.
Emergency by fire trucks in the central city were triggered by loud thunder activating building alarms, she said.
- Herald online
