Strong gales sweeping South Island

Strong winds have caused damage to trees and danger to drivers in the lower South Island, with heavy rains forecast to follow. File photo / Hawkes Bay Today

Damaging gales have hit the bottom of the South Island this afternoon and are moving north.

Wind damage to trees was reported in Invercargill this afternoon, Inspector Rick Jury of southern police communications said.

In south Canterbury, State Highway 8 between lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo was closed to motorcycles and high-sided vehicles, such as caravans, about 6pm.

"We would advise all motorists to take caution," Mr Jury said.

The MetService has warned of a "vigorous" front sweeping rain and gales force winds up the country from Southland to Wellington and Wairarapa.

Severe gale force winds, gusting up to 140km/h, were expected in exposed places from Southland to Canterbury and in the lower North Island from this afternoon until early tomorrow.

"These winds have the potential to damage trees and powerlines, and make driving difficult, especially for those in high-sided vehicles and on motorcycles," the MetService said.

Heavy, thundery rain was forecast in Fiordland, the Southern Alps and the Buller ranges, with up to 150mm expected in the Southern Alps from late this afternoon until tomorrow morning.

Significant rainfall was also expected to spill into the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers south of the Hurunui River.

"People in these areas should watch for rapidly rising rivers and streams," the MetService said.

"Also, those in the central and eastern areas of Canterbury and Otago where there may be little or no rainfall should still be cautious around rivers fed from near the divide."

- NZPA