New Zealand is being lashed by violent thunderstorms and lightning as severe weather wreaks havoc across the country on Tuesday.

Click here for Wednesday's live updates on the severe weather battering the country

Severe winds with gusts up to 110km/h have been forecast to continue as the front moves north and east to hit most of the country.

Thunderstorms with wind gusts that could potentially damage trees, power lines and unsecured structures are forecast to hit on a broad front from Wellington through Hawke's Bay and Auckland into Northland.

What you need to know:

Auckland is experiencing extremely strong winds

At lease one report of people trapped in cars or houses in Auckland

Vector working round the clock to restore power

Flights in and out of Auckland Airport delayed or turned away

Emergency services get 1350 calls in three hours

A tornado has damaged houses in south Taranaki

Over 1000 properties without electricity in Taranaki region

Schools have been closed around New Zealand

A heavy snow warning has been lifted in Canterbury

This live updates article has now concluded.