Wild winds set to batter much of NZ

Hurricane-force winds gusting as fast as 160kmh are expected to blast New Zealand later this weekend, forecasters warn.

Travellers and trampers were advised to be careful and WeatherWatch said damaging gales were likely to "howl in" from the west.

Tomorrow, hurricane or gale-force winds were possible in some exposed parts of central, eastern and inland New Zealand.

Canterbury, Marlborough, Southland, Otago, Wairarapa and Wellington were likely to experience the winds, with WeatherWatch saying Canterbury could be hardest-hit.

Gusts were expected between 120kmh and 160kmh in exposed places across these regions for a time tomorrow afternoon.

"These winds have the potential to be damaging to buildings, powerlines and trees and will likely cause travel delays for motorists, flights and Cook Strait ferry services over Sunday and Monday," WeatherWatch added.

WeatherWatch said a high to the north of New Zealand and a deep low to the south were reasons for the squeezing of air pressure over the country.

The powerful winds weren't expected to ease till Monday afternoon.

MetService said a very strong, moist northwest flow would build over the country tomorrow morning.

It would then probably ease and turn southwest during Sunday evening over the South Island, and Monday morning over the North Island.

"A period of unusually strong northwest gales is forecast for much of New Zealand, and these are likely to be severe in exposed eastern places for a time. The strongest winds are expected about Canterbury, Otago and Southland, where damaging gusts around 150 kmh or more are likely in exposed places," MetService said.

"People are advised that winds of this strength can cause damage to trees, powerlines and lift roofs, as well as making travelling hazardous."

MetService forecast very heavy rain to fall heavy rain for Fiordland, where 100mm could accumulate in an 18-hour period.

"People, especially trampers, are advised that this amount of rain may cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly, and slips," MetService added.

 

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