Lightning strike causes power outage in Hawke's Bay

Photo: 123RF

Repair teams have fixed a downed circuit, Transpower says, after a lightning strike cut power to at least 50,000 people in the eastern and central North Island - and work is about to start on switching the power back on.

Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm warning is in place in several areas.

One lightning strike had tripped the power supply to Hawke's Bay, Gisborne and Wairoa, the company said: a transmission tower had been hit.

A Transpower spokesperson said workers have been working to restore power as soon as possible, although it was not possible to provide a timeframe.

"We hope you can get back to enjoying your Saturday plans once your power is back on," the company said on Facebook.

The power would be restored gradually through the affected areas.

"A strike hit equipment and caused two circuits that feed the Hawkes Bay region to fault; we are now looking at ways to get that circuit back up and running," Transpower's spokesperson said.

"A lot of lightning is happening in the area."

MetService had warned of thunderstorms in much of the North Island today, while Geraldine in the South Island is under a red thunderstorm warning. And a fresh warning was issued for South Waikato, Taupō and Rotorua, valid until 5:37pm on Saturday.

The outage is affecting much of the central North Island, including all Firstlight Network customers in Gisborne and Wairoa.

Line provider Unison said the outage had affected at least 50,000 people in Napier and Hastings.

"It's quite a major outage. We are still trying to confirm how many people have been affected," a Firstlight spokesperson said.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council said they have sent a generator to the Haumoana pump station, to keep it working during the power cut.

"Our team is on the ground monitoring river and stream levels across Hawke's Bay and is ready to deploy additional generators and/or portable pumps to other pump stations if required," a council spokersperson said.

RNZ listeners have been texting in about the power outage.

"What's happening with the power? Out in Clive, Napier ... perhaps even further," one said.

"No power as far north as Gisborne," another person reported.

Others on social media helped with brainstorming how to heat milk for babies to make it safe, during the power outages.

Reports of a lightning strike affecting Transpowers power supply to New Zealands east coast. No power here in Hawke's Bay.

Seems like Cyclone Gabrielle all over again ‍

The outage website for Unison was also reportedly down.

MetService has warned of thunderstorms in much of the North Island today.

A severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for South Waikato, Matamata Piako, Waipa, Taupō, Otorohanga and Rotorua until 537pm.

There is also a severe thunderstorm warning in the South Island near Timaru.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued until 5.45pm for areas near the Four Peaks Range. MetService has reported lightning strikes throughout much of the country.

These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the south-southeast, and are expected to lie near Beautiful Valley and the Four Peaks Range.

For full MetService warnings please go to their website.

These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain, large hail and possible tornadoes.

⚠ A Red Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms near the Four Peaks Range. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain and large hail ⛈For more information: https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5 pic.twitter.com/byAQy9lQgD

RNZ is a statutory lifeline utility in civil defence emergencies which means we have specific duties under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002.

More to come.

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