Weather Update: Tree takes out power lines

Another deluge overnight has taken out power lines at Hukerenui as crews continue to try and get power back on to Northland homes.

At 8am today 570 Northpower customers were without power - 299 on the high voltage network and the others on low voltage lines.

Just after 5am a tree took out lines at Hukerenui, cutting power to 43 people. Northpower arborists and lines crews are working to restore power.

At Pukehuia, in the Kaipara District, 160 people are without power and lines crews are unable to access the area due to extensive flooding.

An aerial survey will be underway shortly and lines crews will then look to access the area by jet ski and boat.

28 customers remain without power at Parua Bay where a helicopter is required to airlift a pole into rugged terrain. It is hoped that will be done today, along with another helicopter job in the Brynderwyns.

Northpower wants holiday home owners to check power supply - or have someone check it on their behalf - to assist with detecting other possible outages.

Flooding will prevent restoration to some areas throughout the weekend. Nevertheless, 24 crews are in the field.
A risk of slips bringing lines down remains.
The company would like people to continue calling Northpower faults on 0800-10-40-40 to advise of outages. People should remain well clear of downed powerlines.
If anyone knows of someone without power (who may also be without phone lines or cellphone reception), Northpower is happy to be advised.