Strong wind warnings for much of country over weekend

MetService is warning of extremely high winds expected mostly in the South Island and lower half of the North Island over the weekend.

There are orange strong wind warnings in effect for Wellington, Wairarapa, the Canterbury High Country and Marlborough region excluding the Sounds from Saturday afternoon into Monday, MetService said.

The strongest winds are expected on Sunday.

MetService warns that strong wind gusts could damage trees, power lines and unsecured structures.

Driving may also be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Heavy rain warnings are also in place for most of the West Coast region, with alerts that rain may cause some streams and rivers to rise rapidly.

There is also a heavy swell warning for the Kapiti Coast.

All current MetService warnings can be found here.