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Heavy rain has hindered the clean up of the Horowhenua region and many rural properties are still without power.
Heavy rain and winds of up to 100 kilometres an hour saw power outages, road closures and trees ripped from the ground.
About 20,000 people have had their electricity cut off for up to 17 hours as a result of the gales and it's expected to be a couple of days before power is restored to the remaining 1000 who are still powerless in Ohau, Manakau, Waikawa, Opiki, Tokomara, Foxton and parts of Shannon.
Many farms have milk laden cows suffering, others are calving, and without power they cannot dry out their wet newborns.
Some residents in areas around Levin and Shannon lost more than 600 of trees in Wednesday's high winds. Shannon, just north of Levin, was effectively cut off with all roads in and out of the town blocked from fallen trees and scattered debris.
Some are having to cut their way out just to get down their driveway.
"For two days we haven't been able to get out. We've been going since about 7am this morning (Thursday) with the chainsaw going and just pulling it away," says Priscilla Langtry, Shannon resident.
Shannon wildlife park Owlcatraz has been forced to shut down.
"If I was to be honest I've shed a few tears. Mum and I not too sure whether we can resurrect it. If it is ever opened again it's going to take us months and months and months of hard work," says Ross Campbell, Owlcatraz.
A lightning strike has taken out a pump at the Shannon water treatment plant. A generator is being brought in but in the meantime residents are being asked to conserve water.
Council officials are keeping a close eye on river levels in the region, with the Manawatu River extremely high on Thursday morning.
Several roads are closed in the region and the council is asking residents in isolated areas to make contact with them.
The Kapiti Coast will also begin cleaning up the aftermath
including lifted roofs, split trees, and downed power lines.
The Wairarapa has also had a drenching with State Highway 53 closed
at Martinborough because of flooding at the Waihinga Bridge.
MetService says the worst of the weather was seen in the last two-days and although rain and high winds are still expected throughout Thursday, the miserable weather ought to ease by Friday.
Napier damaged by massive seas
On Thursday the level of damage to coastal homes near Napier, caused by high winds churning up massive seas, has become apparent.
Several properties were badly damaged and two batches have been left in ruins after being battered by massive waves at the height of the storm.
They are likely to be condemned and several others are also
being checked for damage.
Do you have any images or video footage of the storm?
Send them to
news@tvnz.co.nz
.
For up to date weather forecasts for your region go to the
onenews.co.nz
weather page
.
For details on road closures visit AA Roadwatch .
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