Motorists in Hawkes Bay are being urged to drive with caution as the region is battered by winds of up to 170km/h.
The MetService said very high winds in Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa would continue this evening before easing overnight.
Gusts of up to 90km/h have been recorded at Napier Airport, while the strongest gust of about 170km/h was recorded at Cape Turnagain between Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay.
Police have received reports of severe winds on State Highway 2 near Takapau and on SH5 between Napier and Taupo near Tarawera.
Motorists have been urged to drive with caution. Motorcyclists, campervans and high-sided vehicles in particular have been warned to avoid travel on open roads until conditions improve.