Hail Larger Than 20mm Hits Canterbury as Farmer Spots Tornado
MetService confirmed a small transient tornado near Rakaia after a farmer captured the vortex from his tractor during a severe storm.
By Kwame Silva ·
Hailstones measuring more than 20 millimeters in diameter struck parts of Canterbury late Thursday afternoon, prompting MetService to issue a warning for severe weather.
Tommy Glanville, a farmer operating a tractor near Rakaia, observed a tornado surging through a paddock as the storm intensified. He described the scene to reporters, saying, "That's a f****** tornado."
MetService verified the sighting, classifying the weather event as a "small transient tornado" affecting parts of mid Canterbury.
The severe thunderstorm watch lifted in the evening after the system moved through the region.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand received several weather-related calls during the event. Responders addressed a hail-damaged roof in Southbridge and extinguished two small fires in Lincoln caused by lightning strikes.
The National Emergency Management Agency advised residents to seek shelter indoors away from windows and avoid standing under trees. Drivers were told to slow down or stop if conditions became hazardous, and people on the water were urged to return to land. Officials also warned residents to clear gutters and drains to prepare for potential flash flooding and to check for loose items around their homes.
