Lightning Storm Lights up the Sky Over New Zealand's Mount Maunganui

A thunderstorm in New Zealand’s North Island on Friday, December 14, saw thousands of lightning strikes brighten the skies.

NZ Forecaster Metservice recorded 27,000 strikes in the region between Northlands and central North Island on Friday.

In these videos taken by Mount Maunganui resident Ceara Prout, flashes of lightning can be seen arcing across the sky.

More thunderstorms were forecast for Saturday. Credit: Ceara Prout via Storyful