Strong winds that were predicted for parts of the South Island today are having an impact, with fallen trees on state highways and road signage blown over.

The road signs have reportedly blown over on the stretch of State Highway 8 between Twizel and Fairlie, where an area warning is now in place because of strong winds.

Contractors for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi have also been called out several times today in different parts of the South Island to clear fallen trees and debris on state highways.

Road users are reminded to travel with care in the blustery conditions, and in heavy rain expected in some places.

MetService also has road snowfall warnings in place for tomorrow for the Lindis Pass, Crown Range Road and Milford Road/State Highway 94.    

17 October, 12:15pm – Strong wind and rain aplenty for motorists heading into weekend

It’s becoming an all-too familiar tale in recent weeks, but South Island road users are once again being urged to plan ahead and drive with extra care as more heavy rain and severe gales are forecast.

The predicted rain and winds may once again make driving conditions difficult and could raise the risk of slips, surface flooding and other roading obstruction such as fallen trees.

In Canterbury, MetService has issued an orange* heavy rain warning for the headwaters of the region’s lakes and rivers from 6am tomorrow, while an orange strong wind warning is in effect for the Canterbury high country from 11pm tonight, with severe gale northwesterlies gusting up to 130km/h in exposed places.

Orange heavy rain warnings are also in place for the Buller and Grey Districts (from noon tomorrow), the Ranges of Westland (from midnight tonight), the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers (from 1am tomorrow), and Fiordland (from 10pm tonight).   

An orange strong wind warning is also in place for Southland, Fiordland, and Stewart Island from 4pm today, while a lesser strong wind watch is in effect for Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District from 9pm tonight.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises road users to stay up to date with the weather and roading conditions when they travel, and to take care and adjust their driving to the windy or wet conditions.

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

In high winds, those driving high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and towing vehicles should be especially cautious.

Stay up to date on weather conditions:

MetService(external link)

Status of state highways:

Highway conditions - Canterbury(external link)

^{*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.}