Strong winds have tipped over a caravan at The Barn at Killin in Lake Ohau.

On a Facebook page it said “having lost 6 out of 8 caravans to the Lake Ohau fires in Oct 2020, some massive winds came through and created havoc, flipping over one of the remaining caravans.

Looks like tomorrow will involve some phone calls to insurance.

Thankfully we are all ok, Will see what daylight brings – there are a couple of trees down across our driveway, and heavy rain has now started, & the garden shed is completely destroyed, with its contents scattered far & wide.

Metservice has issued an Orange Strong Wind Warning for the Canterbury High Country area until 7am Saturday.

It said northwest gales are forecast to be severe at times, with damaging gusts of 140 to 160 km/h in exposed places.

Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

An Orange Strong Wind Warning is also in place for the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch and Banks Peninsula area until Saturday at 7am.

Heavy rain is expected at the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur’s Pass which may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly.

Metservice said surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Northwest gales are forecast to be severe at times, with damaging gusts of 140 to 160 km/h in the Canterbury High Country area, as well as gusts reaching 120 km/h about Banks Peninsula and near the foothills.

Fire and Emergency Canterbury said due to strong winds, it is urging people to avoid lighting any outdoor fires over the period of the warnings.

“If you have had a burn in the last 3 weeks, we would ask you to please check that it has been fully extinguished. That includes turning the pile over and soaking it with water, to ensure there are no burning embers in the middle. Please tie down or secure trampolines and other loose objects.”