Weather: Strong wind warning issued as 'severe gales' could be unleashed on New Zealand

03/04/2021
Scott Palmer

Strong winds are forecast to blast New Zealand. Photo credit: Getty

Severe gales of 120km/h could be unleashed upon parts of the South Island and the lower North Island in the early hours of Sunday morning.

MetService warns a strong northwesterly flow blankets the South Island and lower North Island from late tonight, only easing up during Monday.

Strong wind warnings and watches have been issued for the south and east of the South Island, as well as Wellington and Wairarapa including the Tararua District, and MetService says some exposed places could get severe gales of 120km/h.

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Strong wind warning

Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Area: The Tararua District and Wairarapa north of Masterton

Valid: 28 hours from 10am Sunday to 2pm Monday
Forecast: Northwesterly gales are forecast to be severe in exposed places at times, with gusts reaching 120km/h. Winds easing slowly on Monday.

Area: Canterbury High Country

Valid: 29 hours from 5am Sunday to 10am Monday
Forecast: Northwesterly gales are forecast to be severe in exposed places at times, with gusts reaching 130km/h.

Area: North Otago

Valid: 16 hours from 4am to 8pm Sunday
Forecast: Northwesterly gales are forecast to be severe in exposed places at times, with gusts reaching 120km/h.

Strong wind watch

Area: Wellington, Wairarapa from Masterton southwards

Valid: 27 hours from 11am Sunday to 2pm Monday
Forecast: Northwesterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.

Area: Marlborough

Valid: 25 hours from 11am Sunday to 12pm Monday
Forecast: Northwesterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.

Area: Christchurch, Canterbury Plains

Valid: 28 hours from 5am Sunday to 9am Monday
Forecast: Northwesterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.

Area: Central Otago, Southern Lakes, Dunedin

Valid: 15 hours from 3am to 6pm Sunday
Forecast: Northwesterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.

Area: Clutha, Southland, southern Fiordland, Stewart Island

Valid: 16 hours from 11pm Saturday to 2pm Sunday
Forecast: Northwesterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.