Rahotū farmer Jordy Mullen said he and a mate were left "hanging on for dear life" as a tornado passed over the milking shed they were working in at Rahotū this morning.
Rahotū farmer Jordy Mullen. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
"The tornado came right over the top of our cow shed and then ripped over all the houses and barns starting from the bottom of the farm right up the middle," Mr Mullen said.
Police said the tornado went through the town, near Ōpunake southwest of New Plymouth, about 7am.
Mr Mullen, who farms about 460 cows on Kahui Rd, said he and his colleague hunkered down as the tornado swept through.
"We were stuck in the vat room and all the windows imploded as it sucked in on us so it was just me and Jake Horington just hanging on for dear life."
Mr Mullen said he was lucky no-one was living in one of his staff houses that had taken a direct hit from an implement which had been torn from its foundations.
"We were supposed to be having a guy move in here in three week's time so it's pretty lucky we have another spare house down the road, but yeah, it's been demoed."
The aftermath of the tornado. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Incident controller Sergeant Andrew Ross said a welfare centre had been set up at Rahotū School and about eight families had to be relocated.
There were still no reports of injuries, he said.
Mr Ross said the focus was now turning to making the area as safe as possible ahead of high winds expected tonight.
"We've got a lot of iron lying around and houses exposed.
Damage left after the tornado swept through Rahotū. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
"So then we'll get that southerly coming through and it could cause more damage so we're trying to get the farmers to clean up the iron and that sort of thing and secure that so they don't become missiles."
Meanwhile, more than 1000 properties in Taranaki will be without power tonight after the severe storm.
Power poles and lines come down, along with trees, after heavy rain and strong winds today.
Powerco says about 3000 properties were without power this afternoon, but that should be down to around 1300 overnight.
Work would resume tomorrow.
Powerco said it would be on high alert overnight, because the strong winds were expected to continue.
What to do in high winds:
To prepare for high winds people should:
- Put household emergency plan into action and check getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry.
- Pick up debris around your house - they could become airborne.
- Put rubbish bins, garden furniture and other loose items in the garage or indoors to prevent property damage.
- Bring pets indoors. Move stock to shelter. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you.
- Close windows, external and internal doors. Close all curtains to slow down any flying glass.
- Water supplies can be affected - store drinking water in containers and fill bathtubs and sinks with water.
Once the strong winds arrive:
- Stay away from windows and doors. Shelter in the middle of the house, preferably in an internal room such as a bathroom.
- Do not walk around outside or drive unless absolutely necessary.
- Listen to your local radio station for information.
- Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.
