New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has today issued an area warning for strong winds on State Highway 7, as severe gales and heavy rain are forecast for much of the South Island from tonight.

NZTA’s area warning applies to SH7 from Waipara to Springs Junction (including Lewis Pass) and says that due to strong winds, extra care is required from road users, especially for lighter or high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

MetService has an orange* strong wind warning in place for the Canterbury high country from 10pm tonight, with severe gale northwesterlies expected to gust up to 120km/h in exposed places. It warns that this may make driving difficult.

Heavy rain is also forecast by MetService from late tonight, with significant downpours expected in the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers from around Mount Cook to Arthur's Pass, the Buller District, Grey District, and the Westland District about and north of the glaciers.

A heavy rain watch is in place from 8pm tonight in Westland District south of the glaciers.

MetService says the West Coast sees a brief easing of rain on Saturday, only to be met by another front arriving from the south late in the day, bringing showers again by Sunday.

Road users are urged to stay up to date with the weather and roading status when they travel, and to take care and adjust their driving to the windy or wet conditions. Latest state highway information can be found at NZTA’s Journey Planner site.

*An orange warning from MetService signifies that people need to be prepared and take action as appropriate as there could be some disruption to their day and potential risk to people, animals and property.

MetService’s busy weather warnings and watches map for the South Island above.