Strong winds, rain moving up country

Strong winds and rain are moving up the country.

Winds were gusting up to 130kmh in exposed areas of Canterbury, Otago, Southland and Fiordland today.

No major damage had been reported, police said this afternoon.

However, the MetService warned the winds could potentially topple trees and damage powerlines.

Motorists, particularly those with high-sided vehicles such as trucks and campervans, should be wary of hazardous conditions.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms moved from Fiordland into Westland this afternoon, with up to 160mm predicted to fall in some places today and tomorrow morning.

Rainfall was expected to spillover into the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago causing lakes and rivers to rise.

People near waterways or in the mountains should take care, the MetService said.

Winds are also blasting the lower North Island and top of the South Island today.

Police urged drivers to take extra care on Rimutaka Hill Rd, SH2 north of Wellington, where winds were gusting up to 100kmh.

Gales could reach 110km around Wellington, Wairarapa and Marlborough, the MetService said.

- NZPA