Strong winds and lighting that slammed the Coromandel Peninsula cut power to about 24,500 customers earlier this morning.

Powerco acting network operations manager Dean Stevenson says the power cut happened before 4am and affected customers in Kerepehi, Whitianga, Thames, Matatoki, Tairua and Coromandel.

Wild weather that struck the Coromandel early this morning cut power to about 24,500 customers. Photo: File.

The power supply was fully restored by 6.30am, says Dean.

Powerco is New Zealand's second largest electricity and gas distribution utility and supplies electricity networks to the Thames, Coromandel and Western Bay of Plenty areas.

Thames Coromandel District Council communications and marketing manager Laurna White says it is suspected the power cut may have been due to lightning striking the Kopu Power Feeder.

Powerco was unable to confirm this.