More than 5000 lightning strikes were recorded over the country since midnight as an active front moves up the South Island.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told 1News the number of lightning strikes over New Zealand and the nearby sea area was 5107, with 3194 of those reaching the ground.
"Over the South Island specifically, the numbers were 1137, with 473 of them reaching the ground," she said.
Yesterday, a series of fronts preceded by humid northerlies were forecast moving across the country, expected to bring periods of heavy rain and wind.
The forecaster said some rain warnings and watches persist, with additional watches added for parts the lower North Island this morning.
"Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible," MetService said.
It said the fronts would weaken as they move further up the North Island on Friday morning.
Full list of watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Westland District – four hours from 9am to 1pm today.
The Canterbury headwaters south of Arthur's Pass – four hours from 9am to 1pm today.
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Canterbury High Country and the Plains near the foothills – eight hours from 9am to 5pm today.
Heavy Rain Watch
The Otago headwaters – two hours from 9am to 11am today.
Fiordland north of George Sound – two hours from 9am to 11am today.
Taranaki Maunga – 21 hours from 4pm today to 1pm Friday.
Tasman west of Takaka – eight hours from 10am to 6pm today.
Tararua Range – 21 hours from 4pm today to 1pm Friday.
Buller – eight hours from 9am to 5pm today.
Richmond and Bryant ranges, also the Rai Valley – eight hours from 11am to 7pm today.
The Grey District – six hours from 9am to 3pm today.
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