New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging road users and holidaymakers to travel with care as thunderstorms and hail strike parts of the South Island.

Reports have come in to NZTA of hail temporarily blocking the road and cars flooded on State Highway 8 between Timaru and Fairlie, and crews have been dispatched. Surface flooding is also being reported further south.

MetService has severe thunderstorm warnings in place this afternoon for Christchurch and the Selwyn, Ashburton, Timaru and Mackenzie districts. A lesser severe thunderstorm watch extends down into North Otago, Central Otago, Southern Lakes, Dunedin, Clutha, Southland, Fiordland until 9pm this evening.

The thunderstorms may bring heavy rain, large hail and frequent lightning, with potential impacts being flash flooding and “extremely hazardous” driving conditions, MetService says.

People are asked to stay up to date with the weather conditions and to drive with care, and to consider delaying travel if conditions could pose a safety risk.