Alert opened: 19 Sep 2025
STRONG WIND WARNING
Area: Canterbury High Country
Period: 17 hours from 10:00pm Sat 20 Sep to 3:00pm Sun 21 Sep
Forecast: Severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of 140 km/h in exposed places.
Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
STRONG WIND WATCHES
Area: Canterbury Plains and Christchurch
Period: 12 hours from 3:00am Sun 21 Sep to 3:00pm Sun 21 Sep
Forecast: North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places, especially near the foothills and about Banks Peninsula.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Area: Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago and inland parts of North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha
Period: 9 hours from 12:00am Sun 21 Sep to 9:00am Sun 21 Sep
Forecast: North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
High chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.
HEAVY RAIN WATCHES
Area: Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers
Period: 12 hours from 3:00am Sun 21 Sep to 3:00pm Sun 21 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria within 25 km east of the main divide.
High chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Area: Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers
Period: 7 hours from 1:00am Sun 21 Sep to 8:00am Sun 21 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria within 20 km east of the main divide.
High chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Affected districts