15 Sep 2017

Gales damage homes in Central Otago - reports

1:19 pm on 15 September 2017

Two houses have reportedly lost their roofs in Clyde as gales hit Central Otago and Canterbury.

A photo taken on Facebook shows the Crown Range Road, which has closed due to a slip.

A photo posted to Facebook shows the Crown Range Road, which has closed due to a slip. Photo: Facebook / Jennie Anderson

The Crown Range inland road, to the east of Queenstown, is closed at both ends due to a slip.

The slip, at Chain Bay 5 on the Crown Range, is covering one lane and more debris may come down.

Queenstown Lakes District Council said motorists should use State Highway 6 to travel between Queenstown and Wanaka.

Police said strong winds were also affecting roads in the Tekapo and Twizel areas.

There were reports of weather damage to homes in Clyde, with roofs coming off two houses.

The police were urging drivers in Central Otago and South Canterbury to take extra care, particularly those with high-sided and light vehicles.

MetService has issued a strong wind warning for Canterbury and Marlborough as a front moves north-east over the South Island and the west of the North Island this evening.

Severe north to north-westerly winds, gusting 130km/h, are expected in exposed parts of the Canterbury high country, with 120km/h gusts for Marlborough and Wellington.

Downpours are forecast for lower Westland, south of Otira, and Fiordland. Heavy rain is also likely to spill over into the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers, while Mt Taranaki is also due to get a burst of rain this evening.