A severe wind watch is now in place for Dunedin until Tuesday, with strong northwesterlies expected to be replaced by strong southwesterlies this afternoon.
The strong winds today are being caused by a deep low to the south of the country, which is directing a strong westerly flow across New Zealand.
Almost the entire South, and parts of Canterbury, Nelson and the lower North Island are covered by wind warning or watches today.
The strongest winds, which could damage trees powerlines and unsecured structures are expected to hit the bottom of the South Island, with gusts of up to 120km possible in Southland, Clutha and Stewart Island until 8pm tomorrow, with northwesterly winds expected to be replaced by west to southwest gales at 11am.
In coastal parts of Dunedin a strong wind watch is in place for 41 hours from 7am this morning to midnight tomorrow.
Northwesterly winds, which could approach severe gale in exposed places are expected to be replaced by strong southwest winds at 1pm.
A strong wind watch is in place for Southern Lakes, Central Otago and Inland Dunedin from 7am to 1pm.
