Severe gale-force westerly gusts whipped around Dunedin yesterday afternoon and are expected to return tonight.
Gusts of up to 128kmh were recorded at Swampy Summit and Taiaroa Head early yesterday afternoon, while the average wind speeds for the day were strong gale force at 85kmh, MetService figures show.
In Dunedin city, the average wind speed was only 28kmh, with gusts up to 63kmh, while at Dunedin airport the average speed was 56kmh, with gale-force gusts reaching 100kmh.
Moeraki also experienced gusts up to 100kmh, while the rest of Otago experienced gusty conditions throughout the day, but not to the levels experienced in Dunedin.
The highest gusts experienced in the South Island yesterday were 130kmh to 140kmh at Stevens Island in the Marlborough Sounds and Mid-Dome in Southland.
The winds were easing last night but were expected to return tonight, MetService said.
A severe weather watch issued yesterday said another front was forecast to cross the South Island tonight and tomorrow morning, preceded by a very strong, moist northwest flow.
Northwest gales were expected over exposed eastern parts of the South Island ahead of the front.
These winds could reach severe gale force in parts of Southland and Otago late today, the warning said.
The strong winds had the potential to damage power lines, trees, and insecure structures, and could make driving hazardous.
People driving motorcycles, tall-sided vehicles and cars towing caravans were warned to take particular caution if driving in high winds.
