Update, 2.30pm: There has been a power cut in Pongakawa.

The outage occurred at 2pm and is affecting 133 Pongakawa properties.

PowerCo have a site investigation underway and it is unknown yet when power will be restored.

Earlier, 1.10pm: Strong westerly wind gusts are the cause of a power cut in Waihī, and tree damage in Welcome Bay.

A tree that has come down across Welcome Bay Road has now been cleared.

Police were notified of a tree down on Welcome Bay Road around 12 pm.

The tree was blocking one lane of the road, near Waitao Road.

Contractors dispatched to the scene removed the tree.

"The road was reported to be clear at 12.40pm," says a Police spokesperson.

In Waihī, 318 properties have had a power outage on Monday morning.

PowerCo report that the Waihī power cut which happened at 11.55am is due to strong winds.

An estimated power restoration time is not yet known.

MetService is reporting fresh westerlies gusting up to 56 km per hour around Tauranga.

A few showers, some heavy with a possible squally thunderstorm and hail are forecast along with strong and gusty westerlies.

At the scene? Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz