Tree crashes into house, fells power lines

Firefighters assess where's best to begin shopping up a large tree branch which fell onto a house in Welcome Bay. Photo/Andrew Warner

A large tree has fallen onto a house and power is out in parts of the Western Bay of Plenty and as wild weather lashes the region.

Powerco has listed power out at Te Puke, Maketu and Paengaroa this afternoon after a tree pulled power lines down at the intersection of Spencer Rd and Wilson Rd North.

Fire service northern communiations shift manager Dallas Ramsay said the tree was lying across the road, which had both lanes blocked.

Firefighters were working to manage traffic until power authorities could arrive.

Power is expected to be restored until 6.30pm.

Meanwhile, a large tree has fallen onto a house in Welcome Bay.

Ms Ramsaw said firefighters were at work trying to remove it with chainsaws.