Power is being restored to 25-thousand homes and businesses north of Auckland as stormy weather rocks the region

Transpower says electricity was knocked out in the Warkworth, Wellsford, Kaiwaka, Maungaturoto, Ruawai and Mangawhai areas about half-past-three this afternoon.

A post on its Facebook page says power's now been returned to the substations, but it will take "an hour or so" for local lines companies Vector and Northpower to begin restoring supply to customers.