Easter Monday weather: Drivers warned of severe gale-force winds

Drivers of high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are warned of strong winds on Remutaka Hill Rd. Photo / File

Easter holidaymakers heading home today are urged to drive with caution as strong winds continue to batter the lower North Island and eastern parts of the South Island.

A strong wind warning has been issued for the Tararua district and Wairarapa north of Masterton.

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Severe gales could reach up to 120km/h in exposed places, according to Metservice.

Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, it warns.

Drivers of high-sided cars and motorcyclists are urged to be cautious, especially on State Highway 2/Remutaka Hill Rd.

UPDATE 9:15AM
The strong wind warning on SH2 #Remutaka Hill is in place again. Please take extra care, especially if you are in a lighter or high-sided vehicle, or riding a motorcycle. ^AL https://t.co/hbL6b7YVUt

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) April 4, 2021

A strong wind watch is in place for Wellington and south of Masterton.

Winds are expected to ease this afternoon around 2pm.

Motorists are urged to take extra car on the roads as strong winds blast parts of Central Hawke's Bay also.

Police units patrolling the plains issued a warning for those travelling through the region, having noted strong winds.

In the South Island gusts could reach 130km/h in exposed places in Canterbury High Country.

Driving may be hazardous, MetService said.

⚠ Strong Wind Warnings⚠

A cold front moves northwards across the South Island today, preceded by strong northwesterlies. The winds are expected to ease today.

Keep up to date with our Severe Weather Warnings and Watches at https://t.co/qHyE5zhh6X
^Al pic.twitter.com/8HAsjVdnSa

— MetService (@MetService) April 4, 2021

The winds have caused headaches for firefighters battling a forestry plantation blaze near the Canterbury town of Fairlie, which broke out around midday yesterday.

Strong winds stopped helicopters from flying.

Meanwhile a strong wind watch has been issued for Marlborough, Christchurch, North Otago, Dunedin, Southern Fiordland, coastal Southland and Stewart Island.

Winds may reach severe gales in these regions.

Despite the gusts, temperatures are set to soar in the South Island today.

Christchurch and Ashburton all recorded 26C at 9am.

Timaru takes out the hottest temperature of the country at 27C.