Winds of 130km/h predicted for South Island

Wind gusts of up to 130km an hour could batter parts of Southland, Otago and south Canterbury this afternoon.

Metservice forecaster Mark Pascoe said a cold front would hit areas of the South Island today causing the gusts of wind to hang around until early tomorrow morning.

He said the gusts would be especially strong about Stewart Island, coastal Southland and the hills and ranges of the Catlins to Mt Hutt.

Mr Pascoe said winds of this strength could cause damage to trees, powerlines and roofs. He said driving high-sided trucks and motorbikes could also be dangerous.

- NZHERALD STAFF