Several major Southland towns lost power just before noon today after a lightning strike. Those affected by the power outage included the Alliance Group Freezing Plant in Lorneville, who have now had their power restored. A PowerNet spokeswoman said power was cut after a lightning strike affected its Makarewa feeder. Power had been restored to some customers, but the spokeswoman could not confirm which areas were back on line. Affected locations included all of Makarewa, Argyle Corner, Branxholme, Grove Bush, Lochiel, Makarewa, North Makarewa, Otahuti, Roslyn Bush, Ryall Bush, Spar Bush, Taramoa, Tussock Creek, Underwood, Waianawa, Wallacetown, Wilsons Crossing and Wrights Bush.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 13, 2019 00:02 UTC