As strong winds once again rip through the region, emergency services are advising residents to hold onto their hats and secure anything at risk of being plucked up by the wind.
As of the print deadline yesterday, a weather station at Castlepoint had recorded gusts of 167kmph.
MetService said the severe north westerlies would prevail until the middle of the night.
Powerco has had extra field crews on standby, ready to respond during this time.
At 8am yesterday morning, high winds gusting through Greytown blew down power lines, leaving 258 households without electricity.
A Powerco spokesperson said power was progressively restored over the morning, with all customers reconnected by midday.
Powerco general manager of electricity Karen Frew said gale force winds can cause trees and other flying debris to bring down power lines, cutting supply.
“We urge customers to take the time to secure anything that could blow into lines such as trampolines, outdoor furniture, and other loose items, such as sheets of iron,” Frew said.
“We know from previous weather events that wind-blown debris can cause multiple power outages and are a major threat to people’s safety.”
Late yesterday morning winds brought down a large tree on Underhill Rd in Featherston, taking down powerlines in the process.
“Once we were assured power was disconnected, we could cut up the tree and move it off the road,” Featherston chief fire officer Colin McKenna said.
There was a slight delay with Powerco crew turning up, McKenna said, but that “they were understandably busy” with the level of weather-related callouts.
As of last night, McKenna noted gust levels were still significantly high.
Public are advised to treat all downed power lines as live, stay clear, and contact the Powerco 24/7 emergency line on 0800 27 27 27, or call 111.
