Strong winds in Te Waipounamu/the South Island have flipped several vehicles over and caused flights to be cancelled on Wednesday.
John Keenan from Waka Kotahi said wind gusts in south Waitaha/Canterbury have blown over or flipped five vehicles towing boats or caravans in the past four days alone.
He said the wind and dust are "making conditions hazardous" for drivers.
"It is extremely dangerous for car occupants and nearby road users if this occurs," Keenan said.
People should drive slower and be careful of downed trees, powerlines, or debris blown onto roads, Keenan added.
Wind gusts have also downed power poles and a power line onto SH8 between Twizel and Glenbrook, closing the road.
Alternative roads are open but Waka Kotahi warned the public to check its traffic map before travelling.
"Wind gusts can come without warning, so people need to be aware of the risk in exposed parts of the high country," Keenan said.
A strong wind warning applies to Ōtākou/Otago until 3am Thursday.
Aside from chaos on the roads, Dunedin Airport posted on Facebook saying high winds had disrupted some flights.
"Please check with your airline for any updates and keep an eye on our website," the airport wrote.
A spokesperson from Air New Zealand told Newshub they cancelled six flights to and from Ōtepoti/Dunedin and delayed two outbound flights.
"All passengers are being rebooked on the next available services," they said.
Meanwhile, Waka Kotahi advised people on south Waitaha/Canterbury roads this week to take extreme care or delay their trips - especially campervans, boats being towed, or motorcyclists.
Residents in the South Island should expect heavy snow, rain, and wind later this week, according to MetService and Waka Kotahi.
Orange rain warnings are in place until Friday for Te Tai Poutini/West Coast, central Ōtākou/Otago, Murihiku/Southland, and Piopiotahi/Milford Sound.
SH94 through Piopiotahi/Milford Sound will close at 5pm Wednesday, possibly until Friday due to an increased avalanche risk.
Several Alpine Passes will also be under snow warnings from Friday onwards.
The flurry of weather warnings comes after dozens of flights were cancelled over the past week due to strong winds across Aotearoa.
The public can check Waka Kotahi's travel warnings here.
