4:19 pm today

Live: Warnings for motorists as heavy rain arrives around country

4:19 pm today
Flooding in the Greymouth district

Photo: Facebook / Grey District Council

Vector Electricity says a power outage seemingly caused by lightning has been resolved.

Residents in Mt Eden reported power outages at around 2pm today, immediately after an exceptionally loud thunderstrike.

But Vector says it is still investigating the exact cause of the outage. It says power was restored by around 3pm.

Wellington drivers are being warned downpours forecast for this afternoon could affect the motorway into the city. A southerly change later today could bring thunderstorms and possibly hail, as well as heavy rain.

The Transport Agency says drivers on State Highway 2 between Petone and Ngauranga should take care from 5pm through to around 3am on Tuesday.

Wellington City Council says it has reports of minor flooding on streets in Newtown, Rongotai and at the Basin Reserve.

Manwhile, State Highway 6 on the South Island's West Coast has reopened between Punakaiki and Barrytown but delays are expected.

There are also heavy rain watches in place for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty, with possible thunderstorms forecast Monday.

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