Severe thunderstorms possible in North Island, New Zealand

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the central and upper North Island today.

MetService is warning people in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumaranui and Taranaki.

An active cold front was expected to move across central and northern New Zealand this morning with showers and squally thunderstorms.

Some squally wind gusts could reach more than 120km an hour.

There's also the risk of small tornadoes, especially in coastal areas.

- APNZ