More wild winds are set to whip the region this week, with forecasters urging motorists to brace for severe gusts up to 80km/h.
WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan said the region was "in the firing line for some strong westerlies" today, with severe gales in the ranges.
"It'll be very blustery in some areas [today], mostly up in the hills."
The high winds would "come in surges" for the rest of the week, with calm spells lasting up to six hours expected as well.
Wind would peak over the North Island tomorrow morning, with severe gusts of up to 80km/h possible in Napier and Hastings and gusts of more than 100km/h possible in exposed places about the ranges.