LATEST: High winds and heavy rain have cut power, brought down trees and caused flooding across Auckland.

Gale force winds and severe thunderstorms hit the region shortly after midday.

A fire service spokesman said they had received an influx of calls about power lines and trees being down across the region.

Vector spokeswoman Sandy Hodge said power was out to parts of Waiheke Island and Maraetai after falling trees caused feeder faults.

Witnesses said drivers on Auckland's motorways were using hazard lights and some had pulled over to the side.

Stormwater drains were overflowing and flooding stalled traffic on some of Auckland's arterial routes including Dominion Rd and Fanshawe St.

A police communications spokesman said a roof was lifting of a building in Hobson St but was eventually secured. The street was closed for a short time from Cook St down.

Aucklanders took to Twitter as the storm hit.

Bill Ralston tweeted: "Franklin Rd is now Franklin Falls. Whitewater rapids down the street past our place that are suitable of ambitious kayakers."

"Worst driving conditions. Actual feared for my life just then," said @Amysanwaaa.

Alexander Comms tweetetd: "Cats and dogs in Auckland today! Hope everyone is safe and tucked up inside."

Staff at KFC in Ponsonby tweeted they had to shut the doors after rain got into the electrical switchboard.

The Metservice warned a line of severe thunderstorms was expected across Auckland city before 2pm.

Duty forecaster Philippa Murdoch said there was a weather watch in place.

"The northeasterly could get up to gale (force) and the gusts could get up to 100kmh," she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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