Thunderstorms spark flash flooding in New Zealand capital

New Zealand’s capital Wellington was hit by flash flooding on Saturday as thunderstorms brought heavy rain to parts of the country’s North Island, authorities said. “Severe weather is causing flooding across the city,” said Hutt City Council, a local government authority in the region of Wellington, which has a population 520,971. “Our neighbourhood hubs are open across the city if people need shelter. We have crews out monitoring the impacts and supporting the response where needed,” the council said. Some 40 mm (1.57 inches) of rain fell near Upper Hutt on Saturday morning local time, prompting the evacuation of 24 homes, public broadcaster Radio New Zealand reported. A severe thunderstorm warning was in place for Wellington as well as nearby Manawatu, Tararua, Kapiti-Horowhenua, and Wairarapa, the nation’s weather forecaster said. “People are urged to stay alert to these severe weather conditions, with flash flooding likely,” it said. The w