High winds cause damage overnight

Power lines have been damaged following strong winds overnight. File photo.

Strong winds caused further damage to Powerco's network overnight with about 8200 customers without power this morning.

More than half those are at Tairua where a fault on the feeder line to the town's substation has left 4600 without supply.

Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh says crews were currently trying to isolate the fault.

'Once we find the cause we can assess the damage and begin the restoration work.

A concerted effort was underway to tackle the massive task of repairing damage to poles and lines in Taranaki.

'Most of that happened as a result of strong winds and lightning early yesterday morning. We made significant progress getting people back on supply yesterday and by late afternoon had reduced the numbers without power from 12,000 to 3000.

'But winds overnight caused further damage and 3400 are still off line," says Phil.

"There is a tremendous amount of repair work to be done in the Rahotu area where there are multiple reports of poles and lines down.”

He understands customer frustration and askeds for patience as field crews went about their work.

'It will not be a quick fix given the extent of the damage but we are doing everything we can to restore power to as many people as we can today.

"Our first priority is safety so we need anyone coming across damage to our network to call either the police or our emergency line 0800 272727.

'Downed lines must be treated as live at all times and people should keep clear of them.”

Due to the storm last night the Tairua Water Treatment plant is out of power, which means we aren't able to treat any water.

"While we are running as much of the network on generators as we can, and we have water in the reservoirs, we ask that all residents and visitors conserve water as best they can until power is restored," says a statement from the Thames Coromandel District Council.

"The power outage has also adversely affected the water pressure around Tangiteroria Lane, Pauanui. Residents will be experiencing low pressure issues. We are working on this currently.

Powerco are working on a number of power cuts throughout the country including one in Coromandel caused by lightning strike which is also affecting surrounding areas.

The council has also been notified of the following school closures:

  • Tairua School
  • Whenuakite School
  • Matatoki School
  • Whenuakite Country Kids
  • Hikuai School
  • Pauanui Pre-School

"Our Tairua library is also closed due to the power outage. We'll reopen as soon as the power comes back on. If you need to renew your books in the meantime, give Thames Library a call on 07 868 6616.

"There is no petrol available at Prescotts Garage, Hikuai, due to the power outage."

MetService still reports that the severe weather outlook consists of a fast-moving front that should cross most of New Zealand during Thursday, bringing a burst of heavy rain to western areas of the South Island, and strong southwesterlies to many parts of the country.

Southwesterlies ease during Friday as a ridge approaches New Zealand from the west, which then crosses the country during Saturday and Sunday. Read more here.

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