Part of the roof of the Riverton swimming pool has been lifted off by strong winds this afternoon as the South braces for unruly weather over the weekend.
Police said they are aware of the situation and have cordoned off several roads including Princess St, Napier St and the intersections at Leader St as a precaution.
The the high winds pose a safety risk as there looked to be debris blowing off the roof, police said.
A Southland District Council spokesperson said a contractor was on their way to assess the situation and to see if it could be fixed.
New Zealand Transport Agency has advised people to expect gale force winds in the area, as well potential flooding.
A MetService spokesman said the weather pattern would bring severe gales, gusting to 120kmh in exposed parts of Fiordland, Southland and the Southern Lakes from 9am to 7pm today, and across Otago from 11am today until 2am tomorrow.
Strong wind warnings were now in force across the South, he said.
"Strong wind gusts could damage trees, power lines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles."
