Helicopters Otago managing director Graeme Gale said the last thing helicopter pilots wanted to go through was a hail storm because it could destroy the blades and make the helicopter unserviceable.
Helicopters Otago had two aircraft out on jobs during the thunder, lightning and hail yesterday bringing patients to Dunedin Hospital from Invercargill and Wanaka, Mr Gale said.
The aircraft were forced to divert their flight routes around the weather cells to avoid damage.
"It keeps you on your toes, and with how windy it has been in the last couple of days, it has been challenging flying," Mr Gale said.
South of Dunedin, power was out for all of Waihola, Akatore, Berwick, Henley, Milburn, Taieri Beach, Taieri Ferry, Taieri Mouth and Toko Mouth due to line damage.
Many other outages caused by line damage were reported, with power out at Pine Bush and Titiroa in Southland.
Flights at Dunedin Airport were also cancelled or delayed due to the weather.
A strong wind watch remains in place for Clutha, Southland, Stewart Island, and Fiordland south of Milford Sound until 3pm today.
