Powerlines down near Halswell in Christchurch after Saturday's heavy winds. Photo: RNZ / Jean Edwards
Red wind warnings have been lifted for the South Island after gusts between 150 and 200 kilometres an hour were recorded today.
Emergency Management Canterbury issued an emergency alert to residents of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula late this morning.
"The strongest winds will ease this evening, but those gusts pick up again tomorrow, with warnings and watches covering the windiest periods," MetService said on social media Saturday night.
"While it will be another very windy day on Sunday and appropriate preparations should be made for areas under watches and warning, wind speeds are not expected to be as strong as they will be today."
About 5000 homes in Canterbury are without power after high winds hammered the region.
"The severe wind has caused damage across our network and we currently have about 5500 properties without power," an Orion NZ spokesperson said.
"We're assessing the extent of the damage and how we can restore power safely as quickly as possible."
Orion General Manager Steve Macdonald is urging customers to stay away from fallen powerlines or those struck by trees, and to treat all lines as live.
Air New Zealand has also cancelled more than 20 flights.
Earlier MetService said people should take care while driving as conditions would be hazardous.
"These winds may produce widespread damage, especially to trees, powerlines, and could lift roofs," it said.
"There may be road closures and power outages."
Christchurch Deputy Mayor Pauline Cotter said most residents were hunkering down indoors.
"Everyone you talk to is just locking themselves inside because you don't know what's going to be flying around.
"No doubt a few trampolines will have been lost today, I assume."
Cotter said council staff are on alert and prepared to clean up any damage caused by the winds.
Danger from flying debris or falling trees was also a concern and anyone who had had fires or burn-offs should monitor them carefully, it said.
Fire crews called out
Fire and Emergency said crews were responding to a "surge" in 111 calls in Canterbury.
By 1.45pm, FENZ said crews were responding to more than 25 calls about lifting roofs, fallen trees and downed powerlines from Leeston to Rangiora.
"Crews are also responding to six vegetation fires from Ashburton to Ashley, fanned by the wind.
"In central Christchurch, crews were called to assist people in a car that was hit by a falling tree."
FENZ said people should not travel unless necessary, tie down any loose items and make sure any previous fires have been put out properly.
"No new fires should be lit at this time. Always call 111 immediately if life or property is at risk."
Fire and Emergency shift manager Simon Lyford said although the winds were forecast to ease, the danger was not yet over.
"It's still windy out there so we'd still advise people to take caution and only be on the roads if they have to and ideally... not in highsided vehicles like caravans or trucks or vans.
"There could be branches, powerlines, etc. down."
Lyford said crews were also sent to around 10 scrub fires.
Air NZ cancels flights
Air New Zealand has cancelled 21 flights as strong winds batter parts of the country.
The national carrier said most of the flight disruptions are in and out of Christchurch.
Passengers are being told to keep an eye on the Air New Zealand website for updates.
MetService has issued red level wind warnings for the Canterbury High Country and the Canterbury Plains, and for Christchurch including Banks Peninsula.
For the High Country, there could be gusts of up to 150km/h, it said.
The winds were expected to ease late on Saturday afternoon but MetService said another period of severe gales were expected from Sunday morning.
There were also orange wind warnings for Wellington and Wairarapa and Marlborough.
MetService said severe winds were expected to produce widespread damage, especially to trees and powerlines and could lift roofs.
Transport and power networks were likely to be significantly impacted, with road closures and power outages, it said.
Meanwhile, the Canterbury High Country also faces a heavy rain warning, as does Westland.
MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker recommended people in the affected areas stay inside, and if they did go out to avoid driving a high-sided vehicle or motorbike if possible.
Orange heavy rain warnings are also in place for Westland, South of Otira, and for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass until 3pm.
Red wind warnings
- Canterbury High Country 9am - 5pm Saturday
- Canterbury Plains, and Christchurch including Banks Peninsula 9am - 5pm Saturday
Orange wind warnings
- Wellington and Wairarapa south of Carterton 9am Saturday - 8pm Sunday
- Marlborough 9am Saturday - 9pm Sunday
Orange rain warnings
- Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass 9am Saturday - 6pm Sunday
- Westland south of Otira 9am Saturday - 6pm Sunday
Road snowfall warning
- Lindis Pass (SH8) 3pm Saturday - midnight Sunday