State Highway 2 blocked by fallen poles, trees, power out for over 1000

A fallen tree and downed power poles are blocking a section of State Highway 2 in the Western Bay of Plenty.

Police said the stretch near the intersection of Pahoia Rd and Tauranga West Rd was blocked.

No injuries were reported and diversions were in place, but it was not suitable for heavy vehicles.

There were over 1100 addresses without power in Power Co's northern territory, which spans Coromandel, South Waikato and northern Bay of Plenty.

Strong wind watches were currently in place for the area as well as Hawke's Bay, Tasman and Otago.

Motorists were earlier advised to avoid the area.

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