KEY POINTS:
Wellington was battered by severe gales overnight with power lines downed and roofs lifted.
Upper Hutt, Newtown and Kilbirnie all had power lines brought down by the gusts that reached 130km/h.
The Fire Service was called to Karori homes where roofs were lifted by the north-westerly winds.
Police believe several minor car accidents in the city were caused by the high winds and urged motorists to drive carefully.
The winds are expected to ease during the day only to be replaced by strong, cold south-easterlies due to arrive around dusk.
Toll Holdings said the high winds were not affecting ferry crossings.
- NZPA
