Tornado downs trees, damages roofs in Levin as wild weather hits

Strong winds are battering parts of New Zealand, with heavy swells set for parts of the lower North Island and damage reported from a tornado which swept through Levin this morning.

A heavy swell warning is in place along the Kapiti/ Porirua coast from Ōtaki to Pipinui Point until 6pm today.

The forecaster said the highest risk period was typically at or within 1-2 hours of high tide, with northwest combined waves rising to 4m - 4.5m mid-morning, then easing by Tuesday evening.

Estimated peak swell was 3m - 3.5m.

High tide at the Ōtaki River entrance was 6.59am.

In Levin, heavy weather had caused a number of trees to fall and emergency services were responding to 10 reported incidents of damage in the township.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson told 1News crews responded to flooding, loose powerlines, trampolines on a roof, trees down, roof tiles lifting, and securing a fence.

Shortly before 11am, Horowhenua District Council confirmed Levin was hit by a tornado at approximately 7.45am this morning, taking down trees, impacting utilities lines and lifting roofs and fences.

"Horowhenua/Kāpiti is currently under no weather warning

Waikawa Beach was also impacted by the weather event.

"No injuries have been reported. Contractors are actively responding, including clearing debris, unblocking drains, and supporting impacted households," it said.

Emergency Management crews have been working with affected residents, and minimal flooding had been reported.

"Skip bins are being distributed to assist affected residents in Collingwood Street and Wilton Street," the council said.

Local Controller Brent Harvey said "fortunately it appears the event this morning is not as significant as the Levin tornado event of May 2022".

"We’ll continue to work closely with affected residents as the recovery continues."

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Horowhenua District Council reported damage in the following areas:

Metservice meteorologist Katie Hillyer said a "very organised line of rain and thunderstorms moved through Otaki and Levin at around 8am this morning".

"This band had an incredibly strong wind signal along it (hinting at very large gusts).

"There is some evidence that there could have been a tornado along that line, but without seeing more photos from the track of damage on the ground we cannot determine from radar alone if a tornado occurred," she said.

"What we can say for certain though, is that there have already been very strong and gusty winds around the region this morning, so that coupled with a very localised intense line of gusty thunderstorms, it is not surprising that there are damages. This line was very short lived and has since eased off, so any line like that from now is much less likely."

Wellington Region Emergency Management Office regional manager Dan Neely told 1News he had "not observed any significant impacts from the swell warning or recent thunderstorms over the past few hours".

"Conditions remain windy and wet, so we're advising drivers to be especially cautious as there may be some surface flooding and debris on the roads," he said.

"With the swell warning still in place until 6pm tonight, we also advise people to take care when walking or driving near roads and beaches exposed to the sea, particularly around high tide during the early morning commute."

Neely urged surfers, divers, recreational reef fishers, and surfcasters to avoid exposed coastal areas until the warning has lifted and to check the forecast before heading out on a boat.

A Hutt City Council spokesperson said there was surface flooding earlier this morning on The Esplanade and Jackson St, which has since subsided.

"Surface flooding remains on Seaview's Barnes St and Port Rd. Work is underway to clear the stormwater drains in that area. We urge motorists to be vigilant and drive to the conditions."

An orange strong wind warning was also in effect for Banks Peninsula for seven hours from 11am, with severe gale southwesterlies gusting 120km/h in exposed places expected.

Wairarapa including the Tararua District, Hawke's Bay about and south of Hastings, Tasman northwest of Motueka, Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds, Coastal areas of Dunedin and North Otago, Canterbury Plains, Christchurch and the Chatham Islands were all under a strong wind watch.

"Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles," MetService said.

Eastern Otago was under a heavy rain watch until 11am.

"A period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria within 20km of the coast. Moderate chance of upgrading to a warning."

Heavy weather brought down a number of trees in Levin this morning, earlier closing part of State Highway 1.

In a statement to 1News, a police spokesperson said a tree fell on a vehicle on Oxford St shortly before 8am, but that nobody was injured or trapped.

An earlier diversion on Oxford Street has been lifted and the road is open to through traffic.