Severe thunderstorms are moving around the top of the South Island

Storms are going from the Awatere Valley through Seddon and Taylor Pass - with a warning in place right now.

MetService warns the thunderstorms will come with torrential rain and large hail - potentially causing flooding and hazardous driving conditions.

Hawke's Bay, Tararua, Wairarapa, Marlborough, and Nelson are all under a severe thunderstorm watch.