State Highway 77 near Mount Hutt has reopened after a closure caused by damaging winds.

The winds have eased and debris has been cleared from the stretch of highway between Mount Hutt Station Road and Leaches Road.

Road users should still drive with care through the area. 

5.05pm

State Highway 77 near Mount Hutt has been closed amid damaging high winds, including a farm building blown over and debris strewn around the area.

Contractors on site for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi have closed the highway between Mount Hutt Station Road and Leaches Road, after emergency services were earlier called to the site. 

A detour is available via State Highway 1. An update will be provided when the status of the road changes. 

Crews also dealt with debris and signage elsewhere on SH77 near Mount Hutt.

Strong winds are causing issues around the South Island today, including fallen trees across highways and power outages. Road users are urged to take extra care while the risk from the high winds remains, especially for motorcycles and lighter or high-sided vehicles. Surface flooding has also affected some roads further south.