MetService is warning more severe gales may blast Otago and Southland again this weekend as an active front crosses the South Island.
The front is forecast to reach the lower South Island on Saturday, bringing rain to the West Coast and Southern Alps, and strong or gale-force northwest winds to eastern areas.
A MetService spokesman said there was "high confience" the amount of rain would meet warning criteria in Fiordland and parts of Westland on Saturday, continuing in Westland on Sunday.
"This also extends to the Otago and Canterbury headwaters.
"In addition, there is moderate confidence of severe northwest gales about southern Fiordland and Southland on Saturday, and for inland parts of Otago and Canterbury from Saturday to Sunday.''
The front would move northeast across the North Island on Monday, he said.
