Gale force winds expected for central North Island

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Gale force winds that could damage trees and powerlines are expected to hit the central North Island today, MetService says.

The front over the South Island this morning was expected to push north over the country for the next two days.

Northwesterly gales were expected to gust to severe gale strength in parts of Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay south of Hastings during today.

Gusts could reach 130km/h in exposed places, especially about the Tararua District and Central Hawkes Bay, MetService said.

Winds of this strength had the potential to damage trees, powerlines and unsecure structures and could make driving hazardous.

Heavy rain in Fiordland and South Westland eased overnight Saturday, while severe gale northwesterlies in Canterbury and Otago had eased or should soon ease, and the warnings for these areas were lifted, MetService said.