MetService is advising South Otago and Southland residents to batten down the hatches as gale force winds up to 100kmh are expected to hit the region over night.
MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said gale westerlies would hit the far south about 11pm tonight as an intense trough moved east over New Zealand, and would continue until 10am on Monday.
``People in these areas are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case parts of this watch are upgraded to a full warning or further areas are added.''
