Update 12pm:
A widespread power outage has cut electricity to homes from Wakefield to Hira.
Update 11.30am:
SH6 between Hira and Rai Valley is now closed.
NZTA say work is ongoing to assess the road which is also susceptible to wind and fallen trees.
They advise people to delay their journey if possible, exercise caution if you must travel and drive to the conditions. An alternative route is available via SH6/SH63 through the Wairua Valley.
Earlier:
Wild winds have battered the region overnight bringing down trees and cutting power to many.
Metservice has extended a strong wind warning until 2pm on Tuesday with severe gale east to southeast winds gusting 120 kmh in exposed places.
A camper at the Maitai Valley Camp says there's widespread carnage with trees down, and vehicles and buildings damaged.
"Holy cow, that was the worst wind I've ever been in," says Christchurch camper Warwick Neal.
He says their newly purchased caravan is okay, but the building he and his wife Megan moved next to last night moved off its foundations.
"Thankfully it sheltered us. The veranda blew off and sailed over the top of us and smashed into a car next to us."
Network Tasman reported power outages in parts of Stoke and Nelson North from Atawhai, with all restored before 6am however, TopSouthNow has reports of power still out at Cable Bay.
Fire and Emergency received it's first weather-related callout in Stoke shortly after 5pm on Monday, another for Delaware Bay just before 7pm, another in Canvastown and Stoke around 9.30pm and another five calls in Stoke and Hira overnight.
A police spokesperson says they received multiple calls overnight about trees down on the roads at various locations along SH6, Bridge Street and The Ridgeway.
TopSouthNow has received reports of fences blowing over, garages toppling, greenhouses torn apart and trees coming down on private properties.
Flights in and out of Nelson have been cancelled.
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