Strong winds lash Wellington, Canterbury

Motorists are being warned to be on the alert as gale-force winds continue to batter Wellington and Canterbury.

Strong northwesterly winds are expected to continue around Wellington, Wairarapa and the top half of the South Island today.

High winds at the Port of Lyttelton have seen a container ship break its moorings.

Chief executive Peter Davie said the incident happened just before 8am. A tug and pilot vessel were put into action and the ship's crew is reassessing the conditions.

A deep low over the Southern Ocean is forcing strong to gale northwest winds over the south of the country this morning, and the lower North Island through to late afternoon, the MetService said.

Severe weather warnings and watches for wind and rain have been issued for Wellington, the Wairarapa and Canterbury as a cold front moves across the country.

"There is likely to be a northwest gale over the South Island preceding this front," commented the MetService's Bob McDavitt.

The MetService said the winds had the potential to damage trees and powerlines, to lift roofs, and make driving hazardous, especially for motorcycles and high-sided vehicles.

Police were advising motorists to exercise caution when travelling through the South Wairarapa area and going over the Rimutaka Hill due to the high winds.

Brief heavy rain in the Westland ranges south of Otira had been expected this morning.

Mr McDavitt said the wind was expected to ease in time for Thursday, with showers clearing over the North Island and becoming confined to western districts in the South Island.

The Wellington region was hit by strong winds overnight.

Gusts reached up to 100kmh in hilltop suburbs like Kelburn, the MetService said.

The Rimutaka Hill summit recorded winds of up to 120kmh.

There were no reports of serious damage, a Fire Service spokesman said.

- with Stuff.co.nz