"Although weather conditions have settled today, there are still strong winds in some areas that make for challenging conditions for our field crews. To help us identify and fix any faults, we have helicopters flying today to help patrol for damage, including multiple poles down and trees through lines.
"We'd like to thank customers once again for their patience as we work to reconnect them."
Powerco was receiving a high number of calls from customers and asked people to only ring its emergency line in an emergency, such as power lines down.
Whanganui District Council senior engineering officer Dave Rudolph asked locals to be mindful of their water use after the severe weather over the weekend damaged the Powerco network, causing a loss of power to the Kai Iwi bores that supply Whanganui city.
"Our team is working hard to minimise disruption to the water supply but there has been significant damage to the network and this may take some time to repair. We are currently running at reduced supply with one bore running on an emergency backup generator.
"With water levels dropping in the main reservoirs we ask all Whanganui residents to please be mindful of water use while repairs are being completed to reinstate power."
Current outage information and estimated restoration times can be found on Powerco's website at www.powerco.co.nz/outages
Road closures
Teams from Whanganui District Council and South Taranaki District Council are on the ground this morning assessing any other roads that may be closed due to slips, floods or other weather-related events.
Roads that remain closed are Longacre Rd, Kauarapaoa Rd (north and south), Makirikiri Valley Rd, Kawhaiki Rd, Sicely Rd (off Te Rimu Road) and Mangamahu Rd at Aranui.
Previously closed roads Whanganui River Road, Roberts Ave, Denlair Rd near Fordell and Longacre Rd at Okoia are cleared and now open.
Whanganui District Council senior roading engineer Brent Holmes said many other roads, particularly off SH4 (the Parapara), were open but tenuous with many slips, fallen trees and downed power lines.
"There are also a number of slips around the city and surrounding areas, including Roberts Ave, as well as fallen trees and debris, including a few unsecured trampolines that have blown across roads and onto properties. Council infrastructure crews are out working with Roading Alliance partners to clear debris and roads.
"We ask the public to be patient as our crews are continuing to work solidly throughout the weekend, through a pretty significant weather event."
In Rangitīkei, State Highway 1 between Calico Line and Wings Line near Marton is closed until further notice due to flooding. A detour is in place and motorists are asked to allow extra time to travel through this area.
In the South Taranaki district, Tangahoe Rd, Morea Rd, Makino Rd
Rawhitiroa Rd (Mangamingi, before Glen Nui), Glen Nui Rd, Waitotara Rd, Parekama Rd, Maben Rd, Wingrove Rd, Aorere Rd, Weraweraonga Rd and Waiteika Rd are all closed.
South Taranaki District Council said on Sunday conditions were too dangerous for contractors to clear obstructions such as trees and slips on roads.
Pump stations have overflowed at Glover Rd, Kamahi Ave, Fitzgerald Lane and Mason Rd in Hāwera.
For information and updates, keep an eye on:
The Metservice website or facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MetService
Whanganui District Council facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/whanganuidistrictcouncil/
Whanganui Manawatu Civil Defence facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwhanganui
