KEY POINTS:
Weather warnings remain in place today after severe winds forecast yesterday for the lower South and North Islands passed.
The MetService today warned a fast moving front, preceded by gale force winds, would sweep over the South Island by midnight and the lower North Island by dawn.
Forecaster Ian Miller said strong winds were expected to blast inland Canterbury and eastern areas from Southland to Hastings, with gusts ranging from 110km/h in Otago to 140km/h in Southland.
These winds had the potential to damage trees, power lines and insecure roofs, and were likely to make driving hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and cars towing caravans, he said.
The high winds appeared to have passed without incident so far. A Fire Service communications spokesman for the South Island said there had been no wind-related callouts today.
- NZPA
