A tornado has severely affected the Albany Mega Centre on Auckland's North Shore. The extreme weather event, which hit at approximately 3.15pm this afternoon, has caused damage to the buildings, including the mall, in the popular shopping area.

The Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) is activated to support emergency service operations and has started planning for accommodation if people require emergency accommodation.

Initial reports indicate significant damage to commercial properties in the area.

Emergency services are in attendance and there are reports of following casualties and fatalities:

1 fatality

14 injured

The North-Western Motorway was closed initially but has since been re-opened.

Evacuation of people from affected residential homes may be required but has not yet been requested by emergency services.

Auckland Civil Defence Controller Clive Manley says the effects of the tornado are currently being assessed and more information will be released as it comes to hand.

"The full extent of the affected area includes Albany, Kaipatiki, Birkenhead and Glenfield although reports of significant damage and injury are limited to the Albany Mega Centre.

"It is important for people to stay calm and check on their neighbours," he says.

Auckland Council's Building Control Department has activated its emergency response plans and has deployed building inspectors to assess the damage.

No other weather warnings have been issued by the MetService at this time.