Severe weather wreaks havoc in New Zealand

MetService issues tornado warning as thunderstorms hit

A line of thunderstorms has caused widespread damage across New Zealand, with reports of tornadoes, hail and flooding. The MetService has issued a tornado warning for the Auckland and Northland regions, urging residents to take shelter.

The storms have already caused significant damage, with reports of roofs being ripped off houses, trees uprooted and power lines brought down. Flooding has also been reported, with some roads impassable.

The MetService is warning that the storms are expected to continue for several hours, and is urging people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

What is a tornado?

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm cloud to the ground. Tornadoes are often accompanied by high winds, hail, and heavy rain.

Tornadoes can be extremely destructive, and can cause widespread damage to property and infrastructure. In some cases, tornadoes can even be deadly.