Power was cut to hundreds of properties in the lower North Island this afternoon as strong winds and heavy rain lashed the area.
Lines company Powerco said about 1500 customers lost supply in Waitotara, Ratana, Marton, Feilding, Turakina, Bulls and Himatangi.
Metservice has severe weather warnings in place for Manawatu, Kapiti and Wairarapa, where winds could reach 140 kilometres an hour.
Police have urged drivers in Manawatu to slow down with Inspector Dave Rose describing driving conditions as appalling.
"We're appealing for motorists who are travelling through that area if they could be cognisant of those conditions, reduce their speed, extend their following distances, and otherwise remain aware of heavy periods of rain which will probably lead to surface flooding on the roads there."
The Fire Service said lines had come down in Bulls and Foxton and part of a warehouse roof was blown off in Whanganui.
Powerco said electricity should be restored in the next hour.
