High wind warning for drivers

Motorists in the lower North Island are being urged to delay journeys as high winds and heavy rain make driving conditions hazardous.

Gusts of up to 140km/h are being recorded as a severe storm makes it way north after battering the South Island over the past 24 hours.

The winds have blown down trees, knocked out powerlines and lifted roofs off houses.

Police this morning warned motorists to take care whilst travelling in the area of State Highway One around Bulls because of strong westerly winds and driving rain.

"Drivers of high sided vehicles, campervans, caravans and motorcycles are urged to take care and consider whether they may be better to delay their journey," Inspector Ken Climo said.

Police also warned of slips on the Upper Hutt side of the SH2 Rimutaka Hill Road.

Roading contractors were working to clearing the slips.

Environment Canterbury this morning issued flood warnings for several rivers in the region.

It blamed heavy rainfall in the Southern Alps, combined with snow melt and an already wet catchment for the high levels of the rivers.

In the Mackenzie Basin, an Omarama camping ground had to be evacuated overnight after the Omarama Stream burst its banks.

ECan urged the public and river users to take care near all South Canterbury rivers, especially those that were rising fast or flowing swiftly.

- NZPA