Auckland's April storm racks up more than $72 million in claims

The Insurance Council says last month's storm that cut power to thousands of Aucklanders was in the top five most expensive storms in 100 years.

At its peak 180,000 homes were without power as winds blew through the region, downing trees and powerlines.

MetService recorded a gust of 213km/h in the storm that hit on 10 April, with a 133km/h gust of wind recorded at Auckland Harbour Bridge.

The Insurance Council said it has resulted in over 13,000 claims and has cost more than $72 million.

Its chief executive Tim Grafton said 2017 was the most expensive year on record for severe weather and this year is expected to be another big one.

House and contents claims made up 10,000 of those lodged, with almost 2000 other commercial claims lodged.

Niwa forecaster Chris Brandolino said the wind gusts were comparable to a high-end category 1 or low-end category 2 cyclone.

It was the fifth most costly storm this century.