More westerly gales expected in some areas

Strong winds blow Napier's Tom Parker Fountain horizontal. Photo / Warren Buckland

Raised roofs, toppling trampolines and field fires were the result of wild winds battering the Bay yesterday.

A series of deep lows are expected to pass south of New Zealand this week, maintaining a strong, disturbed westerly flow over the country.

The front has brought strong westerly gales to Hawke's Bay, with gusts of 130km/h hitting exposed places yesterday.

These westerlies are likely to rise to gale in some areas again today, and could become severe in parts of Central Hawke's Bay.

Winds of this strength have the potential to damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, as well as making driving hazardous for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr said the Napier airport recorded gusts of 90km/h and Cape Kidnappers at 80km/h yesterday.

The Cape is expected to get even stronger gales later today

The winds are expected to ease this evening.

Further south at Cape Turnagain, gusts of up to 180km/h have been recorded.

"Those are big numbers even by its own standards," Mr Kerr said.

While the winds are wild the temperature is not expected to drop below 7C, with a high of 18C expected today.

A southerly change occurred after midnight last night bringing a few showers which will clear into a fine day today.

"There is still a watch in place in southern Hawke's Bay which will remain until lunchtime today," Mr Kerr said.

"Its strong but it's an area that's used to strong winds, I think they are quite hardened to it."

Napier Fire Brigade senior station officer Mark McGill said they have been busy responding to calls for wind damage.

"A trampoline had blown over a fence in Taradale while a roof was lifting in Awatoto."

Mr McGill said the Awatoto job was particularly difficult with the high winds.

"All the safety precautions were taken and the roof was made safe in the process."

A slash fire at Wanstead, in Central Hawke's Bay, a little after 2.30pm yesterday, was made worse by strong winds fanning the flames.

Two fire engines were called to the scene at Ugly Hill Road, to contain the blaze, acting communications manager Craig Dally said.

Reports of minor damage surfaced on social media as people expressed their frustration with the wind. There was washing all over the lawn, clothes lines bent out of shape, trees down in the garden and an elderly lady almost being blown over.

Senior Sergeant Nick Dobson said if the weather was bad, people should avoid travel if possible.

"If driving, do not use caravans or high sided vehicles.

Motorcyclists must also be very wary," Mr Dobson said.