More than 250 properties around Wellington are still without power after strong winds brought down lines throughout the city.
The East by West Wellington Ferry. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
About 160 of them are in Newlands, where a high-voltage line blocked part of Black Rock Road.
Nearly one hundred Upper Hutt properties are also waiting for power to be restored.
Wellington Electricity expects the faults to be repaired within the next hour.
State Highway 2 over the Rimutakas was closed due to the wind, but has since re-opened.
Earlier today Metservice recorded the average wind speed at Mt Kaukau above the city at 120km/h.
Harbour sailings cancelled
All harbour sailings in the Capital were cancelled due to the strong winds.
There would be three replacement shuttles available from Days Bay in Lower Hutt and one from Queens Wharf in the city.
The Interislander was still running normally.
MetService issued a severe weather warning yesterday, with up to 140km/h winds expected in Wairarapa, Marlborough and Wellington.
Due to adverse conditions ALL sailings have been cancelled this morning. Shuttles depart DB @6.50am,7.45am,8.35am &QW @8.15am.Apologies, EBW
— Metlink Wellington (@metlinkwgtn) February 12, 2017
Severe weather warnings
Severe weather warnings have also been issue for many parts of the country today, caused by a complex weather system that has made its way across the Tasman from Australia.
Heavy rain has been falling overnight in the west of the South Island around Westland and the Buller ranges, and will continue until Tuesday morning.
There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms developing in Fiordland and through Westland, which may also be accompanied by small hail. MetService is also warning of possible thunderstorms in northwest Nelson, the Otago headwaters and most of Southland.
MetService is advising people in these areas to watch for rapidly rising streams and rivers and possible surface flooding.
In the North Island, the Tararua ranges will see up to 180mm of rainfall in addition to the strong gusts expected in the region.
