17 Apr 2011

Gale force winds forecast for Monday

10:00 pm on 17 April 2011

A wintry blast with gale force winds is forecast for Wellington, coastal Wairarapa and the Kaikoura Coast on Monday.

MetService says gusts of 120km per hour are likely for a time from late morning.

It says winds of this strength have the potential to lift roofs and topple powerlines and trees and can also make driving hazardous.

Strong winds are also expected in eastern areas of both the North and South Islands from Banks Peninsula to Gisborne, and also in Auckland.

Meanwhile, sleet showers and possibly snow are expected at the summit of the Desert Road on Monday morning.

The Lindis and Porters passes and the Milford Road are all expected to have snow showers overnight.