Strong winds cause damage throughout Dunedin

Strong gusts blew through Dunedin yesterday, knocking down branches and causing damage throughout the city, but things are looking calm for Christmas.

Gusts at Dunedin’s Swampy Summit weather station blew to a high of 111kmh at about 7am yesterday before easing off later in the afternoon.

That wind ended up causing the removal of the ends of the Dunedin Railway Station tent wrapping.

A Dunedin City Council spokesman said contractors removed the ends of the wrap to allow the wind to flow through.

The tent would be reinstated once the weather was suitable, he said.

Branches throughout the city were torn from trees, including a large branch on Butts Rd.

Cricket nets at Logan Park were damaged after being blown over by the wind as well.

MetService meteorologist David Miller said those winds would probably die down and make way for a "pretty good" Christmas around the South Island with little rain to be expected.

"Not a bad Christmas at all."

Strong winds blew through other parts of the region as well.

The NZ Transport Agency lifted warnings in place for strong winds between Raes Junction and Milton, and Palmerston and Dunedin, about 4.45pm yesterday.

Alexandra Airport had gusts of 75kmh and Wanaka 64kmh.

Queenstown had a less windy day with a high of 46kmh.

Kurow recorded gusts of 83kmh and Invercargill 72kmh.