Roads remain closed and thousands of homes could face another night the in dark after this week's severe weather.

The Napier-Taupo Road is open, but the Desert Road and State Highway 38 between Wairoa and Te Urewera are closed.

More than 2200 homes on the Powerco network in the central North Island are without power, including about 1500 in Rangitikei, and about 500 in Manawatu

Eastland Network said several hundred homes on its East Coast network are also without power.

Powerco operations manager Phil Marsh said crews will be working late into the night and will be back out again early tomorrow morning.

“With the use of helicopters we have found major damage in the Central Plateau area and around Taihape and Mangaweka. The extent of the damage to rural and remote areas indicates that it might be several days before power can be fully restored."

“We hope to reduce those numbers again tonight and we will be back out there at first light tomorrow morning. We appreciate our crews for their efforts and we thank those that are still without power for their understanding in this difficult time.”

Eastland Networks said crews faced a challenging task.

"The crews are making steady progress, with power now restored to Cricklewood and Ruapapa.

"The storm has caused some significant damage, and this is taking time to repair."

Hurunui Road and Herrick Road in central Hawke's Bay and Route 52 in Tararua District are closed due to flooding.

Slips, drop-outs and fallen trees are also affecting several other central North Island roads.

NZTA spokeswoman Karen Boyt said people should still continue to drive to winter conditions, and have a fully charged mobile phone in the car.

“If you are travelling over the weekend you should drive to the conditions and expect to see crews working on the roads.

“Now that there is a way through the central North Island a lot of people will be trying to use the roads so everybody should also be patient."

NZTA's rules for winter driving
Allow extra time
Ensure your vehicle is safe for winter driving
Drive to the road and weather conditions
Slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards
Allow greater following distance between you and the vehicle ahead
Make sure your cell phone is well charged, check car charger also
Have blankets, snacks, bottles of water ready in case of emergency or a breakdown.