Wellington under severe thunderstorm warning

Wellington city and airport are under a severe thunderstorm warning, with torrential rain also expected.

MetService issued the warning at 9.20am Saturday, valid until just before 11am.

It said its weather radar had detected severe thunderstorms moving east-northeast.

It expected the thunderstorms to be accompanied by torrential rain.

The MetService warned that such rain could cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.

The National Emergency Management Agency advises that as storms approach you should:

• Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows
• Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside
• Get back to land, if outdoors on the water
• Move cars under cover or away from trees
• Secure any loose objects around your property
• Check that drains and gutters are clear
• Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving

During and after the storm, you should also:

• Beware of fallen trees and power lines
• Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding