Strong winds in South Island

Parts of the South Island could be in for a battering later today.

MetService is warning of winds strong enough to uproot trees and lift roofs. The strongest gusts will be felt in exposed parts of Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago. 

A deep low is passing over the south of New Zealand tonight, preceded by gale force winds and a band of heavy rain.

MetService warns trampers watch out for rising rivers with up to 100 millimetres of rain forecast for Fiordland and the Westland Ranges.

- NEWSTALK ZB