Electrical crews are gearing up in case of power outages as strong winds batter Auckland

Vector head of field services says saturated soil coupled with the gusts could see trees topple on power lines.

Marko Simunac says the west coast will be the most exposed but everyone should keep torches and power banks handy.

Westerly gusts of up to 100-kilometres an hour are expected this afternoon, changing to strong southwesterlies in the morning.