A tornado has slammed into the Kapiti Coast this morning causing widespread damage

At least four Paraparaumu properties have had their roofs blown off or lifted -- with another house being completely lifted off its piles.

Power lines, trees and fences have also been pulled down.

Kapiti Coast resident Sam Dunnett says the tornado moved through the region fast this morning.

He says it felt like a minute and the damage was done.

MetService Meteorologist, Karl Loots says a complex low pressure system has created the stormy weather.

He says when a weather system like this happens its common to see thunderstorms develop in the Tasman Sea then move onto New Zealand.