UPDATED 0:08am — An active area of thunderstorms and torrential rain has made landfall on Auckland’s western coastline delivering incredible thunder over parts of the city – and torrential rain is about to also move in.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the area most exposed is Auckland with Waikato and southern parts of Northland also expected to receive heavy downpours and a few thunderstorms.  “Looking at the satellite maps and live lightning tracker it looks as though the line of heavy rain, showers and thunderstorms will reach the west coast shortly before midnight then spread elsewhere in the early hours of Saturday”.

Mr Duncan says Coromandel Peninsula, Great Barrier Island and Bay of Plenty may have a few rumbles and heavy showers during Saturday morning. 

The thunderstorms aren’t widespread, so not everyone will get thunder, but the lightning tracker is detecting several areas of activity out to the west.

The free and live lightning tracker has detected around 1000 strikes in the past 60 minutes (as of midnight).

Motorists are advised to be aware of possible surface water/flooding and limited visibility in downpours and isolated hail.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz