Severe thunderstorm heading for Canterbury with warnings of torrential rain, large hail and possible tornadoes

A severe thunderstorm warning is in place for Christchurch city and Selwyn, as severe thunderstorms hit areas of Canterbury. 

MetService has detected severe thunderstorms near Southbirdge, Dunsandel, Leeston and Irwell. 

They are predicted to head towards Christchurch, Lincoln, Lake Ellesmere and Taitapu at 3.20pm today. 

The thunderstorms will keep moving and is expected to hit Lyttleton and Banks Peninsula just before 4pm. 

"These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain, large hail and possible tornadoes." Metservice said in a statement. 

MetService warned of possible flash flooding and damage caused by large hail.