MetService has launched its automated Severe Weather information service on Twitter, to complement the weather safety information available on its websites, apps and email services.

A new @MetServiceWARN Twitter account enables New Zealanders to receive official severe weather warnings and watches for severe gales, heavy snow, heavy rain and thunderstorms on their mobile devices or via Twitter on desktop.

A screen shot of the new Twitter page.

With almost 30,000 followers already on its main @MetService Twitter account, MetService General Manager Corporate Affairs Jacqui Bridges explains the reason for the new account.

"We use our main Twitter account for many types of interaction with the public - for example, tweeting maps and rain radar images with links to draw attention to specific forecasts or severe weather; sharing great weather photos; answering queries and re-tweeting other important information.

"Setting up a dedicated warnings account enables people to use their Twitter account and device settings to get severe weather notifications via their Twitter app or text message, without alerts also appearing for all the other information we share on our main account.

"Of course, we would love it if everyone followed both our Twitter accounts.While our websites metservice.com and m.metservice.com are the 'one stop shop' for all the weather information you need, our apps and social media activity help personalise the weather even more. New Zealand's weather is so changeable that having access to the latest MetService information wherever you are is the best way to stay on top of it.”

Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any watches/warnings at metservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates on MetService TV, at MetService New Zealand on Facebook, @metservice and @MetServiceWARN on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com