Update: OneNZ has activated its text to satellite service for all customers north of Hamilton including Tauranga plus Rotorua to customers with VoLTE-capable phones. This should help some OneNZ customers who have been affected by cellphone outages, if they have capability on their phone.

Severe weather from Cyclone Tam is continuing to hammer the upper North Island, with widespread flooding, power outages, infrastructure damage and road closures. Authorities are urging people to stay off the roads and prepare for ongoing impacts as the storm continues to move down the country.

** Some flights and ferries have already been cancelled with more likely to follow.

Power and Communications

Nearly 25,000 properties across Northland have lost power, including close to 14,000 homes in the Far North, according to local power supplier Top Energy. Mayor Moko Tepania says almost half of all households in the district are without electricity.

A recent update from Northpower states: Severe winds have caused major damage to the Northpower network. Around 12,000 remain without power – crews are working hard to restore supply as soon as it’s safe.

AREAS of Waipu, Langs Beach, Mangawhai Heads, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Paparoa, Kaiwaka, Brynderwyn, Dargaville, and Hakaru under Northpower's network ALL have outages. For the full map head here.

NORTHPOWER has made an announcement at 8am this morning - stating due to high winds and extensive damage, best case scenario power will be restored in 24 hours, but it may be 2-3 days before power is restored.

Northland Police report infrastructure damage to several transmission towers, impacting cellphone reception in:

• Tikitikioure
• Taupo Bay
• Domain Road
• Karikari Central
• Mangonui
• Waimauku
• Matapouri
• Huruiki
• Helena Bay

Landlines remain operational. Those unable to contact emergency services by mobile phone are advised to use a landline to call 111.

Flooding and Roads

The Kāeo River has overflowed, flooding State Highway 10 just north of Kāeo township. With high tide still several hours away, the river remains under close watch. River cameras confirm it has burst its banks.

Waimate North Road, between Kerikeri and Kaikohe, is also likely to be flooded. Civil Defence is urging residents to delay any non-essential travel, with fallen trees already causing road closures, particularly along the coast.

Severe Weather and Rainfall

Wind gusts in exposed parts of Northland have reached 150km/h, while even urban areas like Whangārei have experienced gusts near 96km/h. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says the combination of heavy rain and wind is intensifying the storm’s effects.

Rainfall has been heavy across the region:

• Wiroa Road, west of Kerikeri: 119mm in 24 hours to 7am
• Kāeo, Whakapara, and Glenbervie: over 100mm

The rain has eased in some areas but is forecast to continue throughout the day, with MetService’s rain warning extending into tonight.

Property Damage

A house in Moerewa was damaged when a tree fell on it around 1.35am on Plunket Street. Volunteer firefighters from the Kawakawa brigade responded. The front of the house sustained damage, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

Auckland

Widespread Damage and Emergency Response

Strong winds and heavy rain swept across Auckland overnight, resulting in over 120 emergency callouts shared between Auckland and Northland. FENZ responded to incidents involving fallen trees, debris, and structural damage.

Road Closures

Two highways were closed after trees fell onto vehicles. Specific Auckland routes are still being assessed by authorities.

Weather Conditions

Wind gusts of up to 150km/h were recorded in exposed areas, with damaging winds also hitting built-up areas. Rain has been significant but the most dangerous aspect continues to be the wind combined with already sodden ground.

Power Outages

Many areas of Auckland have been affected including: Puhoi, Pakiri, Whangaripo, Te Arai, Mangawhai, Te Hana, Wellsford and Port Albert

For updates head here

Looking Ahead

Cyclone Tam is expected to move further south towards Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and the upper South Island from Friday. Residents are urged to stay alert, follow Civil Defence updates, and avoid non-essential travel.

RNZ, the official Civil Defence lifeline broadcaster, will provide continuous updates. You can find your local frequency here.