Storm clouds rolling into Wellington on 12 August, 2024. Photo: Supplied / James Bass
MetService confirmed all warnings and watches have now been lifted as severe gales for parts of the east coast of the North Island have eased.
Earlier on Monday, a strong wind warning was issued for coastal Wairarapa north of Flat Point, and strong wind watches were also in place for coastal parts of the Hawke's Bay and the Tararua District. A severe thunderstorm watch was in place for the Hawke's Bay and Tararua.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were also issued for Wellington, Wairarapa and Kaikōura.
Fire and Emergency said it had received about a dozen calls for damage caused by strong winds in Wellington and Wairarapa.
The calls were mainly coming in from Lower Hutt, with reports of trees and powerlines down, a spokesperson said.
There were also 90 customers without power in Horokiwi and another 32 customers in Waitangirua, according to Wellington Electricity, but power had been restored by 8pm.
In a statement, MetService said the changing winds would bring fluctuating temperatures this week.
Meteorologist Clare O'Connor said: "A 'southerly buster' is a particularly strong cold front, characterised by blustery wind changes and a large drop in temperatures. A drop of 10C in a matter of minutes and winds suddenly gusting 90km/h is not unusual with the passage of these fronts."
There was also a risk of thunderstorms and hail for eastern areas on Monday afternoon and into the evening.
The windy weather was expected to create heavy swell, up to six metres, off the east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Islands, MetService said.
"Elsewhere it will be the beginning of the calm after the storm as high pressure builds over the country. Wednesday wakes to a cold morning, especially about the central North Island where forecast minimum temperatures are sub-zero, below the average for this time of year.
"The cold snap is short lived with above average temperatures expected from Wednesday afternoon as milder westerly winds develop about the lower half of the South Island, then spread northwards over Thursday. Another swing to the lower end of the temperature scale, and a burst of heavy rain could be seen over the weekend."