WELLINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua)-- Severe weather savaged North Island, New Zealand with thunderstorms, heavy rain, a tornado and gusty winds on Wednesday.

Strong winds started to hit the Far North region early Wednesday morning, with reports of a tornado causing damage to buildings and injuring several residents, as stormy weather swept across the North Island.

In Auckland, a band of heavy rain moved across the city causing flooding in many areas. Strong wind gusts up to 100km/h were recorded and the iconic Sky City tower was seen struck by a lightning.

Many places across North Island record heavy rain and over 2,000 lightning have struck the country. Capital Wellington also experienced severe weather in the afternoon.

A severe weather warning is now in place for Wellington and the Marlborough sounds. Severe southerly gales gusting 120 km/h in exposed places are expected from 4:00 p.m. local time onward, according to weather forecast institution Metservice.

Air New Zealand is offering flexibility on flights in and out of Wellington, as strong winds look set to disrupt schedules on Wednesday afternoon.

Heavy snow, rain and strong winds affected New Zealand and two Air New Zealand planes were forced to return after encountering lightning last week.