Tornado hits Kapiti Coast

Security fences, cones and other material scattered after a small tornado hit the Kapiti Expressway site at Te Moana Road in Waikanae. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A tornado has hit on the Kapiti Coast this evening.

Police were alerted to the tornado at 7:25pm.

A police spokeswoman said the tornado caused damage to trees and a street sign on Te Moana Rd in Waikanae.

Herald photographer Mark Mitchell said the twister appears to have hit a construction site on part of the Kapiti Expressway.

He said it "ripped through trees" and brought down branches.

Residents have taken to social media to say the tornado tore through their properties.

A resident contacted the Herald to say their "very heavy" double gate had been picked up and blown across Te Moana Rd.

"[It was] very lucky no-one was hit, [it] narrowly avoided [a] vehicle."

The council has been notified.

Photo / Elizabeth Brewer