Wind gusts bring danger
STRONG wind gusts toppled a sidelifter, used for hoisting containers, and tipped over a caravan during a hot and blustery day in the South.
Wind gusts of about 85kmh were recorded at Taiaroa
Head yesterday, and strong wind warnings were in place in Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island and Clutha until late last night.
A sudden gust of 64kmh was responsible for a sidelifter crashing forwards while it lifted an empty container at Port Otago, in Port Chalmers, about 2.20pm yesterday.
The staff member operating the machine was unhurt and was able to get out of the machine safely, Port Otago chief executive Kevin Winders said.
The loader would be recovered with a crane today, and WorkSafe had been notified, he said.
Meanwhile, police issued a warning for the Middlemarch area after strong winds tipped over a caravan on State Highway 87.
A Middlemarch fire crew was called to the intersection of State Highway 87 and Moynihans Lane at 11.06am.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman said a vehicle and caravan, which had tipped over on to its side, were blocking both lanes of the state highway.
There were no injuries. Police advised motorists travelling through the area to take extra care, as strong winds affected driving conditions.
Both wind strength and temperatures were expected to drop significantly today, from 25degC in Dunedin yesterday to a high of 16degC today.