Hawke's Bay unscathed after storm warning

Hawke's Bay residents who last night braced themselves for a repeat of the March storms that toppled palm trees and washed away a house escaped unscathed today.

The Met Service yesterday warned homeowners along the Haumoana, Te Awanga and Clifton coast of heavy seas and 3.5m swells, yet little damage was reported this morning.

"The lack of strong winds has defused the situation along the coast but we'll certainly be maintaining a close watch over the next few days," said Paul Hawke, Hastings District Council's emergency management officer.

"It's a timely reminder for coastal residents to ensure they do keep an eye on the weather forecasts and are prepared for such eventualities as we head into the winter season."

- NZPA