Fire services received several call-outs across Auckland last night as heavy winds blew over trees and sent a large billboard toppling on to Ponsonby Rd.
It was reported as hanging off its stand at 8pm before it hit a building then crashed to the footpath.
No one was reported hurt but fire communications shift manager Steve Smith said he expected it would have caused some damage as it fell.
Auckland City Council cleared the scene.
The wild weather had a greater effect further south, with up to 1000 commuters seeking to get to Wellington from Wairarapa left to their own devices this morning as the rail service remains out of action.
A Wairarapa-bound train was derailed as it came out of a tunnel at Maymorn, 40km north of Wellington, around 6.17pm yesterday.
About 300 passengers were shifted to the rear three carriages and taken back to Upper Hutt where buses met them to complete the trip.
Kiwirail said it was unable to charter enough buses to take up the slack leaving people to make their own way to work today spokesman Kevin Ramshaw told Radio New Zealand he would be surprised if the line would be opened today
Roads were also affected by Wellington's weather yesterday with a slip closing SH1 during peak hour traffic.
Around 5.30pm a tree came down at Pukerua Bay, 35km northeast of Wellington, bringing the slip with it.
The nearest alternate route, Paekakariki Hill road, was also closed about 6.30pm as a large amount of gravel washed onto the road.
The Rimutaka Hill Road was closed from 8pm last night but was reopened in time for the morning rush.
Detours were in place this morning on SH53 between Featherston and Martinborough due to high water at Waihenga Bridge.
In Taranaki a slip has closed SH43 at Tangarakau Gorge, southwest of Taumarunui, with long delays predicted.
- NZPA
Wild weather hits North Island
A Firefighter stands underneath the wreckage of a billboard after it was brought down by high winds. Photo / Kenny Rodger
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