Wild weather, but few dramas

Despite the wild weather, Northland was fairly unaffected.

Wild weather yesterday caused relatively few problems in Northland.

MetService issued a severe weather warning for Northland yesterday, saying the most persistent heavy rain was likely overnight and into early yesterday morning. However, few problems were reported, despite heavy rain in places.

Senior constable Martin Geddes of Waipu police said there had been reports of surface flooding on the roads between Waipu and Whangarei early yesterday.

"It's something for motorists to be aware of."

The flooding was in the usual places - low lying areas of roads in the area, Mr Geddes said.

The wild weather caused remarkably few problems in the Far North.

No roads were closed by flooding or downed trees and only 32 homes lost power due to a tree falling on powerlines near Moerewa.

The power went out at 6.05am yesterday and was due to be restored by lunchtime. Homes in Matawaia, Ngapipito and Pokapu were affected.

Top Energy spokesman Peter Heath said the single, relatively small blackout showed the company's investment in strengthening the network was paying off.

Another factor was last winter's massive storms, which brought so many trees down on to power lines that there were far fewer left to fall.

However, vegetation had the habit of growing back, he said.

"People should bear that in mind and remember they are responsible for keeping trees and other vegetation on their properties clear of Top Energy's lines."