Fire and Emergency have had a steady night responding to fires and car crashes caused by gale force winds, while hundreds remain without electricity.
Strong winds in the Glentui area of Canterbury brought down trees on Friday. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
MetService has issued a red warning, reserved for only the most severe weather events, with gales up to 160 kilometres an hour forecast for the Canterbury High Country.
Some of the worst power outages are in mid-Canterbury, where just over 700 rural homes are without electricity.
Lines company Orion said due to the danger posed by the winds, households will have to go without power for the night.
Fire and Emergency said lightning strikes started two fires in East Otago and Wānaka, while several blazes in South Canterbury were caused by sparks from burn offs.
Five people were injured when high winds caused a two-vehicle crash near Herbert in North Otago just after midday.
A car and trailer were also overturned south of Mosgiel.
MetService predicted severe gale northwesterly winds would hit the Canterbury High Country area - just 48 hours after gales cut power, caused wildfires and brought down trees in the same area overnight on Thursday and into Friday.
Fire and Emergency has also warned people to prepare for severe gales to hit most of Canterbury.
Canterbury assistant area manager Mike Johns said the storm will be stronger than the gales of two days ago.
People are asked not to light outdoor fires, check if old fires are completely out, secure all loose furniture and trampolines and avoid non-essential travel.
A fire fanned by strong winds at Glentui in Canterbury two days ago. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The damaging winds are linked to a cold front which is expected to move up the South Island today and early tomorrow. It is due to hit Wellington and Wairarapa overnight.
These winds are likely to result in widespread damage across the Canterbury High Country and foothills, especially to trees and power lines.
MetService expert meteorologist Hordur Thordarson said: "Significant impacts are also expected to transport and power networks, with road closures and power outages likely."
It also warned that driving conditions would be hazardous, and motorists need to be wary of falling trees or branches and flying debris.
The remainder of the eastern South Island is under an orange warning, including the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch, which could also see damaging gales tonight into tomorrow morning.
The public are asked to follow the advice of local Civil Defence and Emergency Management groups.