Power outages and trees down as wild weather hits

Strong winds are ripping through the region this morning. File photo.

Power is out to homes in Tauranga and a tree is reported to be down in the Western Bay as gales lash the region.

Around 102 properties in the Ohauiti area are without power this morning, according to Powerco.

Power went down around 6am and contractors are hoping to have the supply restored by 11am.

There are also reports of power outages in Waihi, where 69 properties are affected.

A SunLive reader has messaged us on Facebook to say there is also a tree down on Main Road in Katikati.

Firefighters have been called and are working to remove tree.

People are being warned to drive carefully as the wild weather predicted yesterday is expected to continue through today.

A deep low was forecast to approach New Zealand from the northwest on Monday and move southeast across the upper North Island on Tuesday.

High winds of up to 120 km/h in exposed areas are expected for the Coromandel Peninsula, the Bay of Plenty west of Matata, and the Waikato, particularly around the Kaimai Ranges.

NZTA director regional relationships Ross I'Anson says high-sided vehicles and motorcycles should take particular care.

'The Coromandel Peninsula is also forecast to receive heavy rain between 8pm tonight and 11pm Tuesday, which may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.”

While rain is expected to ease for a while on Tuesday morning and afternoon, the wet weather is expected to stick around until late Tuesday night and Ross urges road users to stay alert and delay unnecessary travel where possible.

'The duration of the heavy rain, combined with high winds and tides, means drivers will need to take care. Drive to the conditions and watch out for surface flooding, slips and fallen trees or branches."

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