A new storm front is hitting an already battered North Island this morning with forecasters warning of severe thunderstorms, snow, winds strong enough to down trees and the possibility of localised tornadoes.
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch over a large part of the North Island from Northland to Taupo and has warned that winds may be strong enough to cause damage to buildings, powerlines and trees in some areas.
The conditions may make driving hazardous in some areas.
The storm has already caused a tornado near Kaitake in Taranaki and has downed power lines and trees in the region, a police spokeswoman said.
Some of the thunderstorms could be severe and cause winds of up to 120kmh, the Metservice said.
Heavy snow has also been forecast and motorists warned that the Desert Road could be closed and alternative routes affected.
Snow closed the Rimutaka Road in Wellington this morning.
The MetService's severe weather watch in force for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty and Taupo will be updated this morning.
Meanwhile Powerco field staff have made steady progress on restoring electricity networks in Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and Wairarapa after damaging wind gusts this week.
Its network operations manager, Phil Marsh, said around 1000 customers were without power last night, the majority being in Haunui and Greytown in Wairarapa.
``Since Friday we have had more than 75,000 customers lose supply. During the day we have restored power to customers in Coromandel, Western Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu and Wairarapa.''
There will also be isolated customers without power the across the North Island due to minor faults like blown fuses and damaged low voltage or service lines, Mr Marsh said.
Powerco is urging members of the public to keep well away from any remaining downed overhead lines or other damaged network equipment.
``Safety is our top priority and we are urging members of the public to keep well away from any damaged parts of the network.''
South Island farmers say that as many of a million lambs forecast to be born in Otago and Southland could die because of bitterly cold conditions
Southland farmer Andrew Morrison told The Southland Times said the storm was a one in 40 or 50 year event and would result in a lot of lost stock.
Storm batters North Island
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