New Zealand storms: tornado warning issued as floods cut off towns
North Island braces for severe storms after landslides and flooding cut communications and close roads in South Island
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New Zealand has been hit by a weekend of extreme weather, with landslides and flooding in the South Island cutting off towns and trapping tourists, and forecasters warning the North Island of tornadoes.
The Met Service said central and western areas in the North Island could expect severe thunderstorms on Sunday, with downpours of 25mm to 40mm an hour, large hail and possible ‘“small tornadoes”.