More than 1000 properties are without power in Welcome Bay this morning.

According to Powerco 1573 properties are being affected by the outage.

The power company's website states the cause of the outage is under investigation, but SunLive has had reports of power lines down in the area.

A strong wind watch is in force for the Bay of Plenty today.

The MetService says in the 31 hours from 1m Wednesday to 8am Thursday, southwest winds may reach severe gales in exposed places.

Power is estimated to be returned back in the area around 11am.

SunLive will provide any updates when we can.