Intense windstorms accompanied by thunder has lashed Greymouth and Cobden early Monday, resulting in a house being stripped of its roof.

MetService said while a tornado’s involvement cannot be completely dismissed, the destruction was probably due to powerful straight-line winds enhanced by vigorous thunderstorms.

Fire and Emergency services were dispatched to Cobden at approximately 8:45AM, deploying a single truck to address the damage and secure the area.

Dean French from TNR Protography said the home owner was uninjured.

Weather Watch said “in true Autumn style we have a storm to kick off this week but high pressure returning by mid-week to calm things down for most places.

“Severe weather will be in pockets today, mostly associated with downpours bringing gales and thunderstorms.  

“As we go into Tuesday the windiest weather moves to southern NZ and colder air then moves in.”

Weather Watch said “by Wednesday there’s the risk of some frosts through the South Island’s interior, mostly around the Southern Alps.

“By afternoon west to north west winds kick back in for a time. The next high won’t dominate NZ entirely, bringing us southerlies but mostly dry weather for the rest of the week.

More high pressure is expected after this too.”