Severe wind and rain are expected to hit parts of the South Island today.
MetService has issued a severe weather warning for Canterbury, with strong north-westerlies forecast for parts of the high country and foothills from mid-morning until evening.
It said the winds, of up to 130 kilometres an hour, havd the potential to damage trees and powerlines, and to make driving conditions hazardous.
MetService is also forecasting a burst of heavy rain on the West Coast.
Severe north-west gales are also possible in some other eastern areas, as is a burst of heavy rain in western parts.
Snow warnings have also been issued for the Milford Road and the Lindis Pass.
