Rain-soaked Whangārei early this morning. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
Powerful winds have caused the biggest power disruption to Northland since a down pylon cut power to most of the region last year.
Cyclone Tam is bringing sustained heavy rain and severe easterly gales to many areas of the North Island and upper South Island through to the weekend.
The ex-tropical cyclone has hit Northland the hardest so far, with wind gusts of up to 150km/hr recorded and rain up to 119.5mm.
The powerful winds are downing several trees onto powerlines, which is causing havoc in Northland.
Northland Civil Defence said there are numerous power outages around the region, with over 24,000 households and businesses without power on Thursday morning.
Whangarei Mayor Vince Cocurullo told Morning Report from about 11pm Thursday the power started going out for a lot of residents as trees began to fall onto power lines.
Electricity outages in the Far North as severe weather from Cyclone Tam hits the Upper North Island. Photo: Northpower / Screenshot
"We are still predicted to have some very high winds today, probably up until round about 6pm - and then they will die off," Cocurullo said.
Far North District mayor Moko Tepania said almost half of Far North households are without power.
"That wind overnight, especially on the coast, where it was even worse, will have seen a significant number of trees come down. That's probably why we are seeing the power out," Tepania told Morning Report .
An RNZ reporter in Northland said there are trees coming down "left right and centre".
"They are coming down almost as fast as they can be cleared," RNZ reporter Peter de Graff said.]
The wild weather is also causing problems with cell phone reception.
Photo: Supplied / Akinom Enaj
Cell towers have been without power in Northland and a police spokesperson said the lack of reception to some areas affected calls to emergency services.
One NZ was opening up satellite text as an option for those with 4G.
Landlines were still working and 111 calls could be made from these.
Police said partner agencies were working to restore services.
Auckland was also experiencing power outages, however, it is unclear how many residents are effected.
MetService has issued several weather warning and watches across the country. Check out the latest MetService warnings on its website.
