Dunedin and much of the South look set to be hammered by strong winds as another burst of severe weather hits the country.
MetService has issued a strong wind watch for parts of the South, including Dunedin, Central Otago, Clutha, and the Southern Lakes.
MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said a moist northwesterly flow strengthening over the lower South Island tomorrow and Saturday was "a significant wind and rain event, contrasting greatly with the calmer weather experienced over the past few weeks".
The watch is for the likelihood of severe northwest gales over southern Fiordland, Southland, and parts of Otago from Friday afternoon till late Saturday morning.
There was also a heavy rain warning for Fiordland, which would likely be extended to Westland this evening or tomorrow.
Wind is already hitting the region today, prompting the NZ Transport Agency to issue warnings to motorists on State Highway 1 between Dunedin and Oamaru, and SH87 between Kyeburn and Mosgiel.
"Wind will be the dominant element of this weekend's weather," McInnes said. "While the wet weather does affect much of the country, the strong winds are what provide the greatest and most widespread risk."
