Much of the country can expect severe weather today as spring continues to bring widespread rain and wind.
It comes after MetService yesterday warned a front is "set to wreak havoc across southern and central Aotearoa on Monday".
Severe gales and a "brief" spell of heavy rain are forecast, with drivers warned to take care.
"Gales may be damaging about exposed parts of Southland, Otago and inland Canterbury this morning and afternoon.
"Driving conditions may be hazardous, and there may be damage to trees, power lines, and insecure structures," MetService said, urging Kiwis to keep up to date with the latest severe weather warnings and watches.
A number of flights travelling in and out of Queenstown have been grounded or forced to turn around.
One Jetstar flight, en route to Queenstown, had to turn back to Auckland due to turbulence from the strong winds.
"We sincerely apologise to customers for the disruption to their travel plans due to strong winds affecting Queenstown," the airline said in a statement.
"Our teams are working to get customers to their destination as quickly as possible, however safety is our first priority."
It comes after over 6500 lightning strikes were observed around the South Island between midnight and about 7am today.
"Thunderstorms and lightning – very, very frightening," MetService wrote on social media this morning.
An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Westland from 9am to 2pm today, with thunderstorms possible.
"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous," MetService said.
Orange strong wind warnings are in place for Marlborough north of Ward, Wellington, Wairarapa and the Tararua District from 9am to 4pm today; for Canterbury High Country and the ranges of Marlborough from 9am to 8pm today; and for Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula, and coastal Marlborough south of Ward from 10am to 11pm today.
In Canterbury, the high winds caused a campervan to blow over at Lake Tekapo on SH80, just before 2pm.
None of the occupants were injured, but both lanes on Mt Cook Road have been blocked.
"Police advise drivers to be aware of high winds in the area and avoid travelling until the weather improves," a spokesperson said.
"Considerations to close the road from the Tekapo Village to the SH 8 turn off are underway."
Waka Kotahi NZTA said contractors are currently "assessing State Highway 8 between Fairlie and Twizel".
The road remains open, but authorities warn it could close on "short notice".
"Winds are forecast to ease later this evening, and the road will reopen the road when conditions are safe to do so."
Regional journey manager Tresca Forrester urged people driving high-sided vehicles or motorbikes to consider delaying their travel unless winds ease.
"Conditions are hazardous, and people should take extra care or delay their journeys until the wind has eased."
In Christchurch, fire crews got to work with chainsaws after a tree came down across Deans Ave near Hagley Park.
A tree came down across Deans Ave near Hagley Park, while 120km/h gusts are expected in exposed places in Canterbury. (Source: 1News)
Otago excluding Clutha is under an orange strong wind warning from 10am to 8pm today while Fiordland, Southland including Stewart Island, and Clutha are under the same warning from 9am to 5pm today.
"Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles," MetService said.
A number of severe weather watches are also in place.
A strong wind watch is in place for Hawke's Bay south of Hastings from midnight Tuesday.
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