Wind warnings remain in effect across the lower North Island, upper South Island and West Coast.

Foxton residents are being asked to urgently conserve water, and thousands of homes are without power in Manawatu, Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast and north of Westport.

State Highway 57 is closed south of Palmerston North, and motorists on the Desert Road are being asked to take extra care.

MetService forecaster Thapi Makgabutlane says conditions should be relatively more settled, after today.

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