Storms pounding the region

Southlanders are hunkering down as a storm pounds the region, with strong winds, heavy rain and snow predicted to continue today.

Wind gusts of up to 100kmh buffeted most of the region yesterday, causing a 6-metre boat tobreak free from its moorings and drift into Thompson Sound, in Fiordland.

Warnings were also in place on alpine roads in anticipation of a big snowfall.

Southern Lakes Helicopters crewman Lloyd Matheson said the company was called by the Maritime New Zealand Rescue Co-ordination Centre when the Genesis' emergency beacon was detected just after 11am yesterday.

Mr Matheson said another of the company's aircraft made a blind broadcast on the marine radio, and the crew of the Genesis answered and notified the helicopter crew they were okay.

The crew were onboard another boat, Southern Sam, searching for the missing boat when they heard the radio call.

Both boats had been moored in Dees Cove overnight, while the crews stayed in a hut.

One of the country's most notorious stretches of road – the Te Anau-Milford highway – was closed from the lower Hollyford section.

The forecast last night was for another 270mm of rain but the rain had been falling as snow.

High winds lashed much of the lower South Island yesterday.

The rough weather is expected to continue today, but things should ease easing tomorrow.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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