The MetService is warning of possible severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the Canterbury high country, Westland and Fiordland today.
MetService meteorologist Heath Gullery said an air mass with rapidly moving thunderstorms was expected to affect the west of the South Island during the day, and could bring damaging wind gusts of more than 110km/h and localised tornadoes.
"Wind gusts of this strength can cause some structural damage, including trees and power lines, and may make driving hazardous.
"If any tornadoes occur, they will only affect very localised areas."
Gullery said people living in these areas should watch out for threatening weather conditions. He recommended they visit the Civil Defence Get Ready website for information on how to prepare for a storm and keep safe when it hits.
