Thunderstorm building near Wairoa.
Photo: Supplied
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for central Hawke’s Bay, Hastings and Wairoa, with torrential rain and flooding possible.
MetService said its weather radar has detected severe thunderstorms near Tiniroto, Hangaroa, Te Reinga, Ruakituri, Tahunga, Tikokino, Bridge Pa, Maraekakaho, Pakipaki, Te Hauke, Pukehou, Poukawa and Gwava.
The weather is moving towards the southeast and expected to hit just before 3pm, with torrential rain that could cause surface and flash flooding.
“These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain and hail,” MetService posted on X. “Hail can cause damage to crops, orchards and vines, and may make driving conditions hazardous.”
A Wairoa resident said the weather was building up quickly.
“There are big dark clouds rolling in and I just spoke to someone in Frasertown,” she said. “They’re getting big thunder and lightning, followed by heavy rain.”
Another person working near Te Reinga said thunder had been rumbling loudly for several minutes.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Area: Central Hawkes Bay, Hastings
Forecast: At 02:15 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near TIKOKINO, BRIDGE PA, MARAEKAKAHO, PAKIPAKI, TE HAUKE, PUKEHOU, POUKAWA and GWAVAS.
These severe thunderstorms are moving towards… pic.twitter.com/8ktKefn0hU
— MetService NZ (@MetService) November 14, 2025
National Emergency Management Agency’s advice
Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows
Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside
Get back to land, if outdoors on the water
Move cars under cover or away from trees
Secure any loose objects around your property
Check that drains and gutters are clear
Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving
During and after the storm, you should also:
Beware of fallen trees and power lines
Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding
Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Gisborne and the wider Hawke’s Bay area remain under a severe thunderstorm watch.
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