The severe gales which wreaked havoc last week may have weakened root structures and branches in large trees, and while the forecast winds are not expected to be as strong, they may be enough to bring down weakened branches or whole trees.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said there would be strong westerly winds around coastal Otago and Southland late this morning and early this afternoon.
"We could see wind speeds, maybe gusts, of around 65kmh for some places.
"Then later in the afternoon, the strongest of those winds shift more towards Stewart Island.
"I think given everything that happened last week, over the next while, anytime when we do have winds that are a little bit stronger, we should take extra care on those days and avoid being around large trees."
The westerly-quarter winds were also expected to rise to gales in exposed places about Oamaru, Dunedin, Clutha and coastal Southland tomorrow, and would continue to be strong in Dunedin on Friday.
Emergency Management Otago group controller Matt Alley said it was still extremely dangerous to begin clearing and cutting fallen trees, in particular trees that could be spring loaded and could come into contact with powerlines when cut.
"If you are untrained, please do not attempt to clear.
"There is potential for more trees or branches to come down, so people are asked to stay well clear of all trees for their own safety."
