Heavy winds batter lower North Island

Heavy winds are battering the lower North Island as a front moves up from the South Island, bringing gusts of around 130km/h.

The MetService this morning warned that severe west to northwest gales were expected as the front crossed the Cook Strait around midday and moved up the North Island this afternoon.

Heavy winds were expected in exposed parts of Marlborough and about the hills of Wellington until midday, over southern Wairarapa until the early afternoon, and in northern Wairarapa, Tararua and Hawke's Bay south of Waipukurau until the late afternoon.

Gusts of around 130km/h were expected in exposed areas.

The MetService warned that the strong winds had the potential to damage power lines, trees, and insecure structures, and could make driving hazardous.

People driving motorcycles, tall-sided vehicles and cars towing caravans were warned to take particular caution when driving in high winds.

A Fire Service central communications spokeswoman said there had been no reports of major wind damage.

Northwest gales over North Canterbury were easing as the front moved northwards, while rain has eased in Fiordland and would continue to ease in Westland.

The front come on the heels Cyclone Wilma, which battered the upper North Island over the weekend, causing flooding and slips.

- NZPA