Lightning, gale-force winds and heavy rain are slamming New Zealand on Saturday as severe weather hits.
The windy westerly blast is driving across New Zealand this weekend, driving Kiwis indoors with wind gusts well over 100km/h.
"An active spring blast is affecting New Zealand bringing heavy rain to the West Coast, strong to gale nor'westers to central and eastern districts and then later snow across the Southern Alps," Weather Watch says.
And NIWA warns it will be "one of the windiest weekends in a while".
"Gusty west to northwest winds will be strongest in the South Island on Saturday and associated with heavy rainfall along the West Coast. Winds will be particularly strong across the Southern Alps," it says on Facebook.
"Wellington will feel the nor'wester increase during Saturday afternoon, persisting into the night - this will come with periodic rain."
But there may be good news for New Zealanders hoping to have at least one good day off.
"Trying to figure out what weekend day to enjoy the outdoors? Sunday has less cloud than Saturday for most places," NIWA says.
Newshub.
