Storm warning

Gale-force winds gusting up to 130kmh and heavy rain capable of causing slips and surface flooding are possible as the South Island braces for another severe weather event. Motorists are being warned of hazardous driving conditions as a cold front sweeps in from the south, moving north over the mainland onto the lower North Island by this morning. Stewart Island was first in the firing line, recording sustained northwest gales of 110kmh by 11am, gusting to 145kmh. Milford Sound has recorded 44mm of rain already in the six hours to 10am. MetService is warning of severe northwest gales for eastern parts of southern and central New Zealand capable of damaging trees and powerlines, with heavy rain in the west of the South Island. The powerful front comes almost a week after ex-Cyclone Gita barrelled into the country from the tropics, turning rivers to raging torrents, closing roads and bringing down slips. Heavy rain warnings are in place for Fiordland, Westland, the headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers area from Arthurs Pass southwards, Buller and the Tararua Range. Fiordland is set to get up to 200mm by 9pm, with up to 150mm expected around the divide near the headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers. Motorists are being warned of hazardous conditions, with motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles particularly at risk Strong wind warnings are in place for areas the Canterbury high country, the Canterbury Plains, including Christchurch and Banks Peninsula, Otago, Wellington, Marlborough and Wairarapa and southern areas including Fiordland. MetService meteorologist Andy Best said northwest winds with sustained speeds of 95kmh were expected in the Cook Strait.