Northlander's are being encouraged to be prepared for electricity outages as high winds and rain continue to batter the region. Northpower Network General Manager Josie Boyd says the likelihood of further outages due to vegetation hitting lines could increase as the wet weather continues into its third day.

“It's important to ensure in the midst of this stormy weather to prepare for potential power outages” says Mrs Boyd. “Our crews have been working solidly throughout the long weekend, and multiple crews are continuing to repair damage in the affected areas. We thank people for their patience and understanding as our crews work in these difficult circumstances.”

“We urge people to call Northpower faults on 0800 104040 to advise of outages or potential causes of outages, particularly if they see any broken lines or sparking. It is really important that people stay clear of any downed lines and keep others away also and call us on our Faults line. If there are outages tonight our crews will do their best to attend to what they can but if any major repairs are required they will be made in daylight,” says Mrs Boyd.

In the case of outages Northpower will provide regular updates on northpower.com and facebook.com/NorthpowerNZ/. Civil Defence also has useful guidelines for being prepared, staying safe and putting together an emergency survival and getaway kit - https://www.nrc.govt.nz/civildefence/