Severe thunderstorm warning for Hawke's Bay ranges

MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Hawke's Bay ranges with damaging tornados possible.

A line of active thunderstorms is currently moving across eastern Waikato, Bay of Plenty and northern Taupo spreading into the ranges of Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.

MetService said some of these thunderstorms are likely to be severe, with damaging winds and possible damaging tornadoes, as well as brief heavy rain and possible large hail.

These strong winds and possible tornadoes may cause some structural damage, including damage to trees and power lines, and make driving hazardous.

If any tornados occur, they will only affect very localised areas, MetService said.

Should severe weather approach or if you feel threatened, take shelter immediately.

Three people are believed to have been killed after severe weather - including an apparent tornado - hit west Auckland this afternoon.

"The severe weather experienced in Auckland today has caused some disruption to air travel, particularly to some regional New Zealand destinations,'' said Auckland Airport communications manager Richard Llewellyn.

A number of flights to and from Whangarei and New Plymouth and have been cancelled and other flights had been delayed, he said.

People are being advised to contact their airline for information.