Farmer spots tornado from tractor as storm hits Canterbury

A severe thunderstorm swept through parts of the South Island, bringing thunder, lightning, and hail to Canterbury on Thursday afternoon. The weather event included a tornado that was observed in the mid Canterbury area.

Tommy Glanville, a local farmer, reported seeing the twister while operating a tractor near Rakaia. He described the sight of the storm surging through a paddock. MetService confirmed the event as a "small transient tornado" based on the information available to them.

The National Emergency Management Agency issued warnings earlier in the day, noting that the storms could bring large, damaging hail with diameters exceeding 20mm. The agency warned that such conditions could harm crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses, and vehicles while making driving hazardous.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to multiple callouts resulting from the weather. These incidents included a hail-damaged roof in Southbridge and two small fires sparked by lightning strikes in Lincoln. A severe thunderstorm watch was lifted in the evening as the storm systems moved on.

Officials advised residents to take shelter indoors away from windows and avoid trees. They also instructed people on the water to return to land and to secure loose items around their homes. Drivers were told to be ready to slow down or stop if conditions deteriorated.

Following the storm, the agency cautioned residents to watch for fallen power lines and trees. They also recommended avoiding streams and drains due to the potential for flash flooding. The immediate threat to life and property has passed, but cleanup efforts are expected to continue in affected areas.