At least one campervan has been blown over as high winds batter the South.
Reports had been received of campervans blowing over on State Highway 6 (Five Rivers to Lumsden) and State Highway 94 (Five Rivers to Mossburn), the Southland District Council said.
Police confirmed a vehicle had blown over on Mossburn Five Rivers Road.
Nobody was injured and the road was not blocked, a spokeswoman said.
Severe gale northwesterlies were expected to reach as potentially high as 130kmh in exposed places.
"Police advise motorists to drive to the conditions and take extra care on the roads," the council's spokeswoman said.
Severe gale force winds have also been forecast for the Canterbury high country up to 130km until the early hours of Saturday morning, and there's a strong wind warning for Banks Peninsula of up to 120kmh.
MetService said high winds could case damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.
Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Meanwhile, a slip is blocking the northbound lane of the Devils Staircase on Kingston Rd (State Highway 6) today.
Waka Kotahi/ NZ Transport Agency advised a stop/go traffic management under traffic signals is in place.
"Please stop on request and drive with caution."
