Severe weather warning for Christchurch, Banks Peninsula

Severe northwest gales gusting up to 140km/h are forecast to hit Canterbury around lunchtime today.

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, but even in Christchurch city the gusts could reach 120km/h, which may cause issues.