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Severe winds are forecast for the lower eastern part of the South Island and the lower east coast of the North Island over the next 24 hours.
The Metservice today warned of westerly gales in Southland, eastern Otago and inland Canterbury.
Forecaster Ian Miller said a fast-moving front would reach Southland by this afternoon, sweeping across southern New Zealand through the night and tomorrow morning.
It would hit inland Canterbury tomorrow, and the area between Hastings and Eketahuna by tomorrow night.
"These winds could cause damage to trees, power lines and insecure roofs and may be hazardous for high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and cars towing caravans," Mr Miller said.
- NZPA
