Gale force winds gusting over 100km/h knocked over power lines, lifted roofs and brought down trees and garden sheds in Wanganui yesterday.
Bernie Rush, Wanganui Fire Service's area commander, said the morning was reasonably calm and Wanganui appeared to have escaped the winds that battered other parts of the lower North Island.
"But it really picked up in the afternoon," Mr Rush said.
The wind brought down power lines in Brunswick Rd, and lifted part of the roofs from the BP service station on Taupo Quay, Carters and Chronicle Glass. "We had also to deal with a few roofs coming off houses and a couple of sheds blown down," Mr Rush said.
Power was out for much of the day in parts of Wanganui, Westmere, Fordell, Hunterville, Ratana, Marton, Ohingaiti, Whangaehu, and Turakina Valley.
Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh said Powerco workers expected to complete the majority of repairs to damaged lines last night. However, around 2000 to 3000 customers throughout the lower North Island were without power overnight.
Mr Marsh said any downed power lines should be treated as live at all times.
"People need to keep themselves and their children well clear of any damaged network equipment and call emergency services immediately if they see a downed power line," Mr Marsh said.
On Facebook, Cherie Hogan reported the power was out in Ratana but she said the locals were used to that.
Jay Rich caught the bus from Gonville, where it was so windy she was "hanging on the power pole for dear life at the bus stop".
"A total stranger saw me and offered me a ride, and I was grateful to accept."
Sarah Hull from Patea described yesterday's weather in the South Taranaki town as "feral".
"Very, very strong winds, quite gusty at times, and the rain has just set in now as well. Thankfully we do have power - at the moment."
Around 7mm of rain fell in Wanganui yesterday morning. Whanganui River levels remained unaffected by the rain, holding steady around 2.5m at Pipiriki. Conditions are expected to ease today, with MetService forecasting morning showers and easing winds.