Rain and strong winds are moving through the country today with a mini tornado reported in Matamata.

The tornado swept through the area at around 12pm.

A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says he was just sitting inside when the rain started to get really intense.

'Everything outside got lifted up and thrown around the farm. It lasted for about 2 or 3 minutes before it moved on leaving a path of destruction.”