MetService issued severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of Southland this evening but has now lifted them.
The forecaster said that at 5.30pm its weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near Gore, Mataura and Wyndham.
The storms were moving towards the north-northwest, and were expected to lie near Gore and Mataura at 6pm, and near Gore, Mataura, Riversdale and the Hokonui Hills at 6:30pm.
In an update about 6.25pm MetService said the warning had been lifted for the Invercargill radar area, which covered the localities previously mentioned.
A severe thunderstorm watch remained in force for Central Otago, Southern Lakes, Dunedin, Clutha, Southland and Fiordland.
A spokesman earlier said they were expected to develop this afternoon and last until about 10pm.
"Some of these may become severe this afternoon and evening, bringing localised downpours with intensities of 25mm to 40mm per hour.
"The thunderstorms are expected to ease this evening."
Driving conditions would be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
The weather is expected to begin clearing on Friday, with a mostly settled Christmas Eve and Christmas Day forecast.
MetService currently predicts Christmas on Sunday to be mainly fine with occasional isolated showers around the country and warm temperatures.
- additional reporting RNZ
