The wind has blown the roof off a two-story house in Ōpōtiki in Bay of Plenty.

Severe southeast gales are expected to hit parts of Bay of Plenty and the East Coast today.

The MetService has issued a warning for severe southeast gales with gusts of 120km per hour in exposed parts of Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki and about the far north of Gisborne.

The Fire Service said the home owner was taking shelter downstairs and a fire truck was on the way.

The MetService has warned that the strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures and that driving may be hazardous for high-sided vehicles and motorbikes.

-RNZ