A suspected tornado damaged two houses and scattered debris in Taranaki last night.
The weather phenomenon was understood to have struck Carrington St in New Plymouth about 8.30pm, after residents heard it coming followed by a loud bang, local media reported.
The roofs of two neighbouring properties were damaged and building materials were lifted off.
It was not confirmed it was a tornado or "severe freak wind gust" said WeatherWatch.co.nz, which had earlier issued a risk of a tornado for region from 5pm.
"At about 4pm yesterday it appeared conditions were ripe for possible tornadoes across Taranaki," said WeatherWatch Analyst Aaron Wilkinson.
