A severe-weather watch has been issued for Otago, alerting people to the possibility of wind gusts up to 100kmh or more in parts of Clutha and Dunedin this weekend.
The strong southwesterly airstream affecting the region would probably bring a period of gales to parts of Clutha and Dunedin today, MetService forecaster Ian Miller said.
From mid-morning today to tomorrow night, gusts could reach 100kmh and more at times, especially near coastal hills and headlands, he said.
"There is the potential for damage to trees, powerlines and insecure roofs, and driving conditions could be hazardous for high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists."
People should keep up to date with weather forecasts in case the watch was upgraded to a warning, he said.
High winds lashing the east coast delayed the movement of two ships into the Otago Harbour yesterday.
The coastal tanker Kakariki remained at moorings in Port Chalmers after arriving at 11.23am yesterday, and did not move up to the oil berth in the inner harbour immediately, as earlier planned.
Port Otago harbour control confirmed the vessel would move to the oil berth at 11.30am today.
A container ship, Maersk Dominica, was due to arrive at Port Chalmers at 4am today, having earlier been scheduled to arrive about 7.30pm yesterday.
