Cyclone Gita: Storm blast brings blackouts across Whanganui region

There were power outages across the Whanganui region Tuesday evening as Cyclone Gita blew through.

South Taranaki suffered particularly badly with more than 2500 properties in Patea losing power early evening, and it may be late Wednesday afternoon before it is restored. There were also overnight blackouts for 300 homes in Waverley.

In the city, Durie Hill was hardest hit with 580 properties losing power, while 340 were affected in Aramoho. Powerco estimated it would be around midday Wednesday before they were able to get the lights back on.

That was the estimated time for power to be restored in blacked-out rural areas - Hunterville (473 properties); Kai Iwi (237); Mangaweka (236); Kakatahi (208); Taihape (186); and Fordell (37).

Also losing power were 543 properties in Marton and 172 in Bulls, with Powerco reckoning on an early Wednesday afternoon switch-on.

"Falling branches and trees were the main causes of the cuts," Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh said, adding that buffeting winds were making conditions very difficult for contractors.

"We are doing our best to restore service but we will not put workers at risk in the high winds. Until the weather settles down we don't expect to make much headway in exposed areas."

This might mean some customers are without power through the night, he said.

"We expect the weather to have settled somewhat by dawn and will set about repairing the considerable damage then."