Storms and tornado, late May 2025

The story so far

A low-pressure system brought forecasts of heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds to several regions in late May 2025, with MetService warnings for the Bay of Plenty, Northland and upper South Island, where up to 110mm of rain was expected.^{28 May 2025} The system was also expected to bring wind gusts of up to 110km/h to the upper North Island, and red severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for the Far North and Kaipara, with possible tornadoes and marble-sized hail.^{29 May 2025} The weather may also have led to closures of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.^{28 May 2025} On Thursday night a possible tornado damaged homes and trees in Nawton, Hamilton, with reports of roofs ripped off, fences blown over and power cut to homes after a trampoline struck a power box.^{30 May 2025}

Latest

Emergency services and council staff were managing the situation in the Nawton suburb of Hamilton after the reported tornado damage.^{30 May 2025}

Key moments

1. 28 May 2025MetService warns of up to 110mm rain for Bay of Plenty, Northland and upper South Island.
2. 29 May 2025Red severe thunderstorm warnings issued for Far North and Kaipara, with tornado risk.
3. 30 May 2025Possible tornado damages homes and trees in Nawton, Hamilton; power cut to homes.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.