A tornado has lifted 12 roofs off homes in Tasman as stormy weather moves down the country and disrupted motorists as felled trees fall near roads.
Fire and Emergency said it is responding to calls for assistance after a tornado formed in the area at 1:20pm on Monday.
"Approximately 12 houses have either had their roof lifted, or lost their roof entirely, predominantly in the Upper Moutere area," a spokesperson said.
"Additionally, a tree fell onto a car with a person inside in Māpua, but the person was able to get out of the car without requiring assistance and reported only minor abrasions."
Fire and Emergency added there has been a report of a tree falling onto power lines, as well as a tree falling across a driveway.
A person posting in a local Facebook group said there are "huge delays in traffic" on State Highway 60 between Motueka and Richmond. Photos they posted showed a number of large trees and branches that had fallen in the weather by the roadside.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said a tree had fallen on SH60 near the intersection of Bronte Road East. Crews have been working to clear debris from the area.
Nelson Tasman Civil Defence said they're currently responding to damage in Upper Moutere and are checking to make sure the area is safe. They urge members of the public to stay away while they do this.
There were no initial reports of injuries from the tornado, Nelson and Marlborough Police said.
"Police are urging people to stay safe indoors rather than risk further harm travelling to see the damage," they said in a Facebook post.
Both police and Civil Defence urged people to call 111 if they're in immediate danger.
