As severe weather has battered the North Island, the timeliness of weather warnings and alerts have again come under question.

0:03Auckland councillors and independent weather forecasters were among those seeking answers over the weekend with severe thunderstorm warnings issued hours into the event overnight on Saturday.

Dozens of homes were flooded before emergency phone alerts picked up. 

Auckland councillor for Waitakere Ward Shane Henderson talks to Tim Beveridge. 

LISTEN ABOVE. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.