Trees were cleared and power was restored to more than 2500 homes. Debris from the storm was scattered citywide.
Dunedin City Council parks and recreation manager Robert West said the council had received more than 80 calls about trees or damage throughout Dunedin.
He said an arborist team prioritised the calls and worked throughout the day to clean up debris from Monday’s high winds.
‘‘The calls have ranged from minor, branches on reserves or bits of trees down, to entire trees down.
‘‘I know of an entire tree that has come down at Warrington Reserve,’’ Mr West said.
He said in his two years on the job he had not seen damage as bad as occurred on Monday.
Power had been fully restored to all households by last night.
An Aurora spokeswoman urged people to keep safe around electricity and securely fix trampolines, outdoor furniture and all items susceptible to high winds.
She also advised people to keep clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment and treat them as live at all times.
‘‘Be prepared for power outages.’’ he warned.
‘‘Make sure you have adequate food supplies, warm clothing and bedding, torch and spare batteries, battery radio and an alternative source of heating and cooking.
‘‘People using medical equipment that relies on electricity should ensure they are prepared for power disruptions, and if there is an immediate health threat, contact their health provider or call 111.’’
A MetService spokeswoman said a front preceded by a strong northwesterly flow was expected to move northeast on to the South Island on Saturday, and there was ‘‘moderate confidence’’ that northwesterlies could rise to severe gale force again about Otago and Southland.
- Additionally reported by John Lewis
