The Metservice has issued a strong wind warning for the Canterbury High Country, Canterbury Plains, and Christchurch including Banks Peninsula as well as a heavy rain warning for the Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthurs Pass.

The strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures.

It would be a good time this evening to check your outdoor furniture and trampolines are secure.

Fire and Emergency is also advising people to avoid lighting any fires over the next 48 hours.

If you have had a fire in the last week please ensure it is fully extinguished, you can do this by turning the pile over and dousing it with water until it is cool all the way through.

Strong Wind Warning

Area: Canterbury High Country

Period: 19hrs from 9pm Fri, 13 Oct – 4pm Sat, 14 Oct

Forecast: Severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of 140 km/h in exposed places.

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

Strong Wind Warning

Area: Canterbury Plains, and Christchurch including Banks Peninsula

Period: 10hrs from 6am – 4pm Sat, 14 Oct

Forecast: Severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of 130 km/h in exposed places.

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

Heavy Rain Warning

Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur’s Pass

Period: 12hrs from 2am – 2pm Sat, 14 Oct

Forecast: Expect 120 to 140 mm of rain near the divide with 60 to 90 mm of rain within 15 km east of the divide. Peak rates of 15 to 20 mm/h. Freezing level about 2000 metres, lowering to 1500 metres during the event. Further heavy rain is likely on Sunday.

Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.