Waitara

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Area: Waikato,Waitomo,Taranaki Forecast: This is an alert for the potential of a few small tornadoes about the western North Island between about Port Waikato and Cape Egmont early on Thursday morning. A low with an associated band of rain and possible thunderstorms is expected to move onto the western North Island early on Thursday morning. Within this band of rain and thunderstorms, there is a moderate risk of a few small or damaging tornadoes about western parts of Waikato, Waitomo and North Taranaki, mainly near the coast, between about 1am and 7am Thursday morning. The tornadoes could occur with or without thunderstorms, and if they do occur are expected to be very localised and short-lived, but could cause damage to structures and vegetation. Impact: Note: 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. For information on preparing for and keeping safe during a storm, see the Civil Defence Get Ready website