Severe gales forecast for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula

Severe northwest gales gusting up to 140km/h are forecast to hit Christchurch and Banks Peninsula this evening.

The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for the Canterbury region and is warning that the winds are likely to be strong enough to damage trees and powerlines and to make driving hazardous.

The wind gales are expected to be particularly strong on Banks Peninsula, with gusts of up to 140km/h in exposed places, but even in Christchurch city the gusts have the potential to cause damage to loose structures, trees and powerlines. Note that the strongest winds are likely to be overnight.

We are recommending you secure any outdoor items that have a risk of being blown away and to stay safe and be cautious when out and about on our roads or walking underneath branches.