Wild wind warning for motorists

High winds are expected to buffet parts of the country today, with motorists being urged to take particular care.

Gale force winds are forecast to hit Wellington, Hutt Valley, Kapiti and the Wairarapa.

Motorists with caravans, campervans, motorbikes and high sided vehicles should drive with care, Sergeant Andy Dow of central police communications said.

Further south, wet and windy weather was expected to hit the West Coast and eastern areas of Canterbury and Otago today, the MetService said.

The higher suburbs of Dunedin, Otago's eastern hills and the Canterbury foothills and plains could experience northwest winds, gusting up to 130km/h in exposed areas, forecaster Allister Gorman said.

"These gusts have the potential to damage trees and power lines and will make driving conditions difficult for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles."

The rough weather was the result of a front over the Tasman Sea that was expected to move on to the South Island.

- NZPA