Bad storm hits N.Z. North Island

WHANGAREI, New Zealand, July 26 (UPI) -- A storm featuring hurricane-force winds slammed into the North Island of New Zealand early Saturday.

The storm was the worst to hit the area in years, weather forecasters said. The central business district of Whangarei, a town of about 50,000 residents 100 miles north of Auckland, was evacuated, TVNZ reported.

As the tide went out, the flood waters began receding without causing major damage. High winds brought down power lines, and downed trees blocked roads.

Officials asked the public to limit water use because power problems had disrupted freshwater treatment plants.

The eye of the storm was expected to pass over the area Saturday evening, moving southwest.