UPDATED 4.10am: Power remains out to several parts of the Western Bay of Plenty after strong winds felled trees and blown branches into power lines.
At least 780 properties in the Lower Kaimais, Omanawa, Pukehina, Pongakawa and Paengaroa have been without power for several hours due to falling branches damaging lines.
Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh said the weather started to cause problems around 9am, when trees were blown into overhead power lines in the Lower Kaimai.
Further power cuts in the Pongakawa area occurred around 11.15am due to the wind snapping branches and damaging the network, he said.
Mr Marsh said supply had so far been restored to 620 properties, with 160 still without power.
On Friday a 'mini tornado' ripped through Mount Maunganui, tearing down trees, fences and property. Read that store here.
"Field crews are working to restore supply as quickly and safely as possible," he said.
Mr Marsh said these types of power cuts could be avoided if tree owners called in the professionals to clear their trees from lines.
"Arranging for a Powerco approved contractor to cut away branches growing too close to lines would make a huge difference."
Affected customers with mobile phones could access detailed restoration times for their area on Powerco's website www.powerco.co.nz.
EARLIER: Power is out in the outskirts of the Western Bay of Plenty, as strong winds buffer the region.
Powerco has recorded homes in the Lower Kamais, Maketu, Omanawa, Paegnaroa, Pongakawa and Pukehina as being without power since about 9am today.
The reason for the outage was unknown at this stage and power was not expected to be restored until at least 3pm.
The Lower Kaimais and Omanawa area is not expected to have power restored until about 4pm, Powerco stated.
The outage comes as strong, cold southwesterlies buffer the region and country.
Southwest gales are expected to become severe in southern areas but Tauranga is forecast to escape the worst of the winds.