Tornado strikes Auckland. Deaths reported

[Jo The Marten]

Three people have been killed after severe weather - including a series of tornadoes - hit Auckland this afternoon.

Police sources have confirmed that three have died in the west Auckland storm, which struck shortly after noon.

Fire services communications manager Peter Stevenson said two people had been killed when a slab of concrete fell onto a truck at the St Georges Rd intersection

At least seven people have been rushed to hospital, TV3 is reporting.

MetService has now lifted its severe weather warning for the Auckland area, but earlier a tornado hit Hobsonville, tearing down trees and ripping panels from the motorway.

Read more
Live updates

May our friends in Auckland stay safe.

(If anyone is curious, Werdnae is alright. It hasn't come to his area.)