The twister tore its way through National Park, ripping off a local's roof, which then landed on nearby cars. Photo / Damien Kenyon
Though the worst of the storm is behind us, many New Zealanders are waking up to drastically lower temperatures than what they experienced a week ago.
A significant drop in temperature was expected over the island overnight.
Highs in spots like Hamilton, Auckland, Tauranga, Whangarei and Kaitaia were expected to sit around 13 or 15C today - around 10 to 12C lower than it had been in recent weeks.
Metservice meteorologist April Clark said the drop in temperatures was significant.
"Lots of people were saying they were swimming in Auckland [on Monday]." "They won't be swimming today."
Clark expected heavy rain and thunderstorms to pummel Taranaki, Taihape and Whanganui into the early hours of this morning.
A complex low that caused the storm was moving off the North Island, but a smattering of heavy rain and colder temperatures would linger for several days.
Clark said there was a forecast of snow on the Desert Road. Motorists further south in North Canterbury or into the Kaikoura Ranges should be wary of ice on the roads.
Metservice meteorologist Ravi Kandula could not confirm whether a drop in temperatures equated to the coldest morning South Islanders had had so far this year.
However, Kandula said it was "absolutely" the chilliest experienced by the North Island.
The weather took its toll on transport yesterday, with several roads on the West Coast of the South Island closed due to trees having fallen across them.
Speed restrictions were put in place on Auckland's Harbour Bridge, due to "significant" wind gusts.
Due to the current weather conditions there are a number of road closure and area warnings in place for the South Island. Please check out the link below for further details. ^JPhttps://t.co/WsOA4uq32Qpic.twitter.com/z9PsH7pM7z
— Waka Kotahi Otago & Southland (@WakaKotahiOS) April 9, 2018
Ferries were also cancelled from Northcote Point wharf, which would remain closed until further notice.
In a statement, police said they are not aware of any weather-related injuries.
Further down the country, a small tornado tore through National Park, lifting one home from its foundations and destroying it.
National Park resident James Parry was working at Tongariro Water when the tornado caused a blackout. Then his phone rung.
My wife said the house was gone and I thought she was joking," he said.
"I was shocked when I saw it, it still hasn't really sunk in. Obviously with no roof on, it's pissing down with rain, everything's wet and soggy - the house will be bulldozed."
The twister tore its way through National Park, leaving a trail of disarray behind it. Photo / Bevan Conley
The school hall in National Park was opened up for families to use as a safe place, should they need it.
Commander of the Defence Force's Joint Forces Major General Tim Gall said liaison officers were ready to facilitate support for affected communities.
"We've seen in recent years how devastating flooding and severe weather events can be for our communities," Gall said.
"Our Defence Force always stands ready to support Civil Defence authorities in responding to these contingencies, whether it be for flood-relief operations or evacuations of stranded residents."
The Defence Force helped respond to the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Gita earlier this year, mobilising dozens of personnel, military trucks and a helicopter.
