Road users are being urged to keep an eye on state highway conditions, and to travel with care, as a double whammy of severe gales and heavy rain is expected to hit the South Island.

MetService has an orange* strong wind warning in place from 6am tomorrow for the Canterbury high country and Canterbury Plains near the foothills (*orange signifying that people need to be prepared and take action as appropriate, because there may be disruption to their day and potential risk to people, animals and property).

The severe gale northwesterlies are expected to gust up to 120 km/h in exposed places. Driving may be difficult – especially for high-sided vehicles, towing vehicles and motorcycles – and there may be a risk of fallen trees or powerlines.

An orange heavy rain warning is in place from 4am tomorrow for the Canterbury headwaters south of Arthur’s Pass (with thunderstorms possible), and the same warning is in place for Westland from 3am, with a risk of surface flooding and slips.

Lesser heavy rain watches are in place for the Grey District (from 7am tomorrow), and the Otago headwaters and Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound (from the early hours tomorrow).

Heavy rain means slippery roads and drivers should think about adjusting their speed and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking, and staying visible.

A strong wind watch is in place for the early hours in Fiordland tomorrow, with northerly winds approaching severe gale in exposed places, especially about the coast. 

Stay up to date on state highway conditions and restrictions at our Journey Planner site.