ReportsMetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Central Otago, as well as a Heavy Rain Watch. 

This watch affects people in Central Otago, North Otago, Canterbury Plains, Canterbury High Country, Southern Lakes, Dunedin, Clutha, Southland and Fiordland.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. 

People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.

“Thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon about many areas of the South Island, especially inland,” the MetService statement says.

“About the Canterbury foothills, inland parts of South Canterbury, Otago, northern Southland and inland Fiordland, some of these thunderstorms could become SEVERE producing localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm per hour.

“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.

“MetService will continue to monitor the situation closely for severe thunderstorm development and will issue further updates.”

For information on preparing for and keeping safe during a storm, see the Civil

Defence Get Ready website

Keep up-to-date with road, weather and warnings on The Central App Reports button.