A small tornado in Kaikoura has lifted a roof and brought down power lines in the coastal township.
Police received a call from a member of the public who reported the tornado on Beach road, in the centre of the town, about 9am, Southern Police communications shift manager Paul Reed said.
It lifted the roof off a house, which "went flying across the road", and is believed to have brought down power lines, which remained on the road, he said.
No-one was hurt but power had been cut to several areas.
Police and emergency services remain at the scene and traffic had been halted.
The wild weather had affected local businesses, with Whale Watch cancelling its tours today. It also a casualty of the power cut, a staff member said.
