Cyclone Gita: Power out in parts of Whanganui after strong winds hit

MetService meteorologist Lisa Murray gives an update on what to expect from Cyclone Gita. / Video by Mark Mitchell

Power is out to parts of Whanganui tonight.

Cyclone Gita has brought strong winds with gusts expected to reach 120 km/hr.

Whanganui District Council advised about 7pm that a tree has fallen on Rangitatau East Road, about two km from State Highway 3. A roading crew is attending but in the meantime there is no access between SH3 and Brunswick Road.

Another tree is down on Wairere Rd, but the street is not completely blocked.

There's another tree down just above 32 Wairere Road. Road is still passable but take care as you go.

Posted by Whanganui District Council on Monday, 19 February 2018

Council says winds have been logged at nearly 70 km/hr at Whanganui Airport and the city may have winds gusting up to 120 km/hr into the evening and early hours of Wednesday February 21.

"Strong wind gusts may damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Travel is not advised. You are best to stay home and stay safe until the storm has passed," the council advised.

"Power cuts have been experienced throughout Taranaki and have started to be reported in Whanganui, with current outages in Aramoho and Kakatahi.

"There is currently also a wave warning in place for our region. Visiting beaches is not recommended until the storm has abated. A northwest swell combined with high winds could result in combined waves exceeding six metres for a time this evening."

People experiencing power cuts should contact their retailer to log faults. The electricity retailers trading on Powerco's networks are listed on Powerco's website.

Another tree was reportedly down just above 32 Wairere Road. The road is still passable but care is advised.