Christchurch severe thunderstorm: Tornado, large damaging hail pummel region

Farmer Tommy Glanville filmed a tornado from his tractor window while working near Rakaia, south of Christchurch, this afternoon. Screengrab from video / Tommy Glanville

A MetService meteorologist said the national weather service was looking into reports of tornado activity.

“We’ve seen the videos pop up online, [and] our thunderstorm forecasters will be looking into that as well … from the videos, it looks like there was a tornado,” Juliana Bergdolt said.

There were “very strong winds” in the area this afternoon, she said.

A tornado was captured on camera sweeping across farmland near Methven.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said a crew from Southbridge attended a property in Leeston after a hailstorm damaged a skylight.

Firefighters secured the roof before leaving the property in the care of its owner.

A thunderstorm also prevented an international flight from Perth from landing.

A Christchurch Airport spokesperson said the passenger aircraft was diverted to Wellington before it refuelled and returned to Christchurch later in the evening.

A severe thunderstorm and hail warning was issued this afternoon for Christchurch and Selwyn, and a severe thunderstorm watch for Christchurch and Canterbury Plains.

Large hail could cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous.

The watch and warning have since lifted.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of Canterbury today. Image / MetService

Cold temperatures at upper levels and daytime heating had brought unstable conditions to Canterbury, especially Christchurch city, Banks Peninsula and coastal areas just south, MetService said.

The weather was forecast to bring damaging hail, up to or larger than 20mm in diameter.

National Emergency Management Agency advice for approaching storms is to:

Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windowsAvoid sheltering under trees, if outsideGet back to land, if outdoors on the waterMove cars under cover or away from treesSecure any loose objects around your propertyCheck that drains and gutters are clearBe ready to slow down or stop if driving

During and after the storm, you should also beware of fallen trees and power lines, and avoid streams and drains “as you may be swept away in flash flooding”.