More than a thousand homes in Northland are without power as the much anticipated big storm makes its presence felt.
The region is taking a battering with reports of surface flooding in some low lying places.
In addition, electricity has been cut to about 1000 Northpower users throughout the Whangarei District.
The Fire Service is dealing with several downed trees and several properties have also lost their roves.
The Kerikeri River was swollen at the Stone Store Basin and driving rain washed out State Highway 12 and forced more road closures west of Kaikohe.
As the storm tracked south it showed no mercy to Whangarei's CBD.
Shop owners were told to evacuate as concern mounted about surface flooding and rising tides.
Latest reports indicate that the flooding is now receding with the falling tide.
Flood waters crossed roads and flooded into the CBD but at this stage there have been no reports of widespread damage in the CBD.
Power cuts have disrupted operations at all freshwater treatment plants in the Bream Bay area so members of the public are asked to conserve water.
Northpower is working on dangerous power lines as a priority at this stage.
More bad weather is reported to be on its way.
Keep up-to-date with the Weather in your region on the ONE News Weather site
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