A series of fallen trees have been creating hazards on state highways across the central South Island, as the current weather system continues to impact the regions.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has been alerted to several instances since last night where trees were reported to be at least partially blocking highways in Canterbury or on the West Coast. Contractors have been dispatched to clear the trees where required.

Road users are reminded to continue to travel with care while heavy rain and strong winds persist. MetService still has a heavy rain warning in place for the Ranges of the Westland District until 6am tomorrow, and strong wind watches remain for Banks Peninsula and coastal Dunedin through until 4pm today.   

26 March, 2026 – Upgrading of weather impacts for south

MetService has added to its warnings and watches for the central and lower South Island as a major weather system bears down on the country and impacts on road users.

There are now orange heavy rain warnings in place for North Otago and Canterbury south of Timaru and east of Otematata (from 5pm today), and for the Ranges of the Westland District (from 3pm today). This level of warning means that streams and rivers may rise rapidly, there is increased risk of surface flooding and slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.

Further strong wind watches have also been added, for the Buller District (from 1pm today), for coastal Dunedin (from 8pm tonight), and for the Westland coast south of Wanganui River (from 2am tomorrow), and. Northeast winds may approach sever gale force in exposed places, potentially making driving difficult and increasing the risk of damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures.

A further reminder to road users to take extra care when travelling in strong winds, especially those in high-sided or towing vehicles and on motorcycles. Heavy rain means slippery roads and drivers should think about adjusting their speed and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking, and staying visible.

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

• MetService(external link)
• Journey Planner(external link)

25 March, 2026 – Heavy rain, strong winds for South Island road users:

While the North Island is expected to bear the brunt of an approaching large weather system, the central and lower South Island is still expected to feel its effects, and road users are being encouraged to travel with care.

MetService is warning of the potential impacts of a deep sub-tropical low affecting the country from tonight.

It has heavy rain watches in place for the Ranges of the Westland District, from 3pm tomorrow through to 3am Saturday, and for North Otago and Canterbury south of Timaru and east of Twizel, from 6pm tomorrow through to 6am Friday. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, MetService says.

On Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula, a strong wind watch is in place from 7pm tomorrow until 7pm Friday due to northeast winds that may approach severe gale force.

NZTA urges all road users to take extra care when travelling in strong winds, especially those in high-sided or towing vehicles and on motorcycles. Heavy rain means slippery roads and drivers should think about adjusting their speed and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking, and staying visible.

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

• MetService(external link)
• Journey Planner(external link)