Two tornadoes reported north of Wellington

Kāpiti Coast has been hit by two tornadoes in the past two hours.

In Waikanae a tornado struck at around 11am, damaging three buildings.

Locals have told RNZ they believe the tornado ripped through the area near Nicholas Place.

One woman said it was extraordinary and like nothing she had ever experienced before.

It was very loud and lasted close to 30 seconds, she said.

The tornado was reported to have left a trail of debris in its path, including ripping off parts of several roofs.

Among those affected was Waikanae home owner Roger Smith, who said he probably would not be able to remain in his house tonight.

When the roof was partly ripped off his house by the tornado, it was like a bomb going off, he said.

Smith had just arrived home when it happened. He had also experienced some damage to his garden.

Waikanae volunteer firefighters have been out responding to the event after being alerted around 11am.

Senior station officer Guy Simpson was among them.

"We found localised damage at up to about five properties that have had damage to roofs and fences and some other things that haven't been tied down - trampolines mostly," he said.

Police received a report of damage to a roof on Nicholas Place soon after 11am.

There are reports the tornado ripped a branch off a tree and held it for five seconds.

Another tornado struck in Paraparaumu at Otaihanga around 11.30am.

Fire and Emergency shift manager Belinda Beets said there were no reports of injuries but it had caused damage.

"It has brought down trees. There's several buildings that have been damaged, the trees have been blown over onto powerlines in that area."

A tornado hit parts of Levin last month, causing a lot of damage and leaving 20 homes red-stickered.