Strong winds are still buffeting much of the South Island this morning, with contractors for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) being called out to incidents of fallen trees and signage on highways.

Contractors have also been dispatched after reports of flooding on State Highway 6 in Central Otago this morning, and surface flooding on State Highway 73 between Kumara Junction and Arthur’s Pass.

NZTA has a general warning in place due to strong winds, advising road users in the Canterbury region to take extra care, especially those operating light or high-sided vehicles.

MetService’s red strong wind warning remains in place for Canterbury, about and west of SH1. Under this highest level of warning, people are advised to avoid travel due to dangerous driving conditions. This warning is currently in place until 3pm this afternoon.

Heavy rain warnings also remain in place in much of the South Island.

20 September, 2.15pm – Wind warnings upgraded, people advised to avoid travel in much of Canterbury

People are being advised by MetService to avoid travel as a red strong wind warning is in place from tonight for Canterbury about and west of the foothills, and west of State Highway 1 south of the Rakaia River.

Existing wind and rain warnings have been upgraded by MetService around the South Island. Its red warnings are reserved for the most extreme weather events, where significant impact and disruption is expected.

From 10pm tonight through to tomorrow afternoon, severe gale northwesterlies are expected in those parts of Canterbury with a red warning, with damaging gusts of 150 km/h in exposed places. MetService says potential impacts include threat to life from flying items and falling trees, and dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport.

Among its advice in these circumstances, MetService advises people to avoid travel. 

Elsewhere in Canterbury, east of SH1 south of the Rakaia River, and away from the foothills further north, there is now a lesser orange strong wind warning in place from 2am tomorrow where driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

An orange heavy rain warning has also been issued for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers from 3am tomorrow, with 120 to 180 mm of rain expected about the main divide, and 100 to 150 mm within 30 km farther east.

The same orange heavy rain warning applies tomorrow for the ranges of Westland, the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers, Fiordland about and north of Doubtful Sound, and for Buller and about the Spencer Mountains and St Arnaud Range.

An orange strong wind warning also applies tomorrow for Westland District, Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago and inland parts of North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha, Fiordland and Southland. A strong wind watch is in place for the Grey District.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urges road users to consider the warnings and advice from the MetService. If you are travelling, plan ahead and be prepared, drive to the conditions and take extra care in strong winds and heavy rain.

19 September, 3.15pm – Strong winds, heavy rain for school holiday travels

The first weekend of the school holidays is set to be wet, windy and wild for much of the South Island, and those heading away for a family trip should be prepared and planning ahead.

MetService is warning of severe gale northwesterlies for the Canterbury high country and Fiordland from tomorrow night, with damaging gusts of up to 140km/h in exposed places. It says damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures is possible, and driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

From late tomorrow and into Sunday, north to northwest winds are forecast to approach severe gale in exposed places in Christchurch and on the Canterbury Plains, in Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago and inland parts of North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha, and in Southland.

Rain is also likely to dampen school holidays outings and activities, with MetService putting in place heavy rain watches for Sunday for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers, the ranges of the Westland District, the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers, and Fiordland about and north of Doubtful Sound.

Whether driving in strong winds or heavy rain, motorists are urged to drive to the conditions – reducing speed and giving space to other vehicles. When buffeted by gale force winds, drivers should ensure a firm grip on the wheel and stay alert for flying debris – pulling over when the risk is especially high.