Batten down the hatches — the South is in for severe gales of up to 130kmh today.
MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor said an orange wind warning had been issued for Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, Fiordland, Southland and Stewart Island between 3am and 8pm today.
Severe gale northwesterlies were expected to reach as potentially high as 130kmh in exposed places.
"A strong, moist, northwesterly flow made landfall over Fiordland early on Thursday morning, and will slowly spread northwards over the South Island on Friday.
"Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.
"Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles."
A strong wind watch had also been issued for North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha between 6am and 8pm today, where northwest winds were expected to approach severe gale in exposed places, she said.
Alongside the gales, an orange heavy rain warning had been issued for Fiordland, where thunderstorms were expected and up to 150mm of rain was anticipated to fall between 6am and 10pm today, with peak intensities of up to 25mm per hour.
She warned the heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly.
"Surface flooding and slips are also possible, and driving conditions may be hazardous."
A heavy rain watch has also been issued for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers between 1pm and 11pm today.
The weather was expected to be mainly fine on the weekend, Ms O’ Connor said.
