Gale force winds to batter Otago

Gale force winds reaching up to 140km an hour will hit parts of the Otago east coast today.

Metservice forecaster Erick Brenstrum said the winds would batter areas from Nugget Point to Moeraki, including parts of the Otago Peninsula from late this afternoon until Wednesday morning.

Parts of Southland would also get strong winds this afternoon with gusts of up to 110km an hour being forecast.

Bluff and Stewart Island would bare the brunt of the winds that could damage trees and powerlines, he said.

Mr Brenstrum said driving conditions for high-sided vehicles, especially those towing caravans, could be dangerous.

- NZHERALD STAFF