UPATED: Issued at 8:36pm Thu 2 Nov 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been lifted

A thunderstorm watch is in place for parts of the south, including Central Otago.

MetService has issued a warning, which was likely to remain in place until about 11pm for Southland, Fiordland, Central Otago and southern lakes area.

A spokesperson said people were urged to take care as the storm could bring localised downpours with rainfall intensities of 25 to 40 mm/h.

"The storms should ease late this evening.

"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

"Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain."

Keep an eye on weather stations near you.