Holidaymakers are advised to consider delaying travel due to forecast gales, as a red wind warning is issued for South Marlborough, and an orange wind warning for the rest of the region.
The red wind warning issued by MetService on Wednesday evening covered Marlborough south of Cape Campbell, including Ward, from 6am to 4pm on Thursday, with gusts of up to 140kph expected in exposed areas.
A orange wind warning would cover the rest of the region from 6am to 4pm on Thursday, with gusts of up to 130kph expected in exposed areas.
Marlborough Emergency Management said there was a high likelihood that the orange warning would also be upgraded to a red warning, the most severe level.
People were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and secure outdoor objects.
Regional controller Richard McNamara urged people planning to travel for holidays this long weekend to delay travelling until at least Friday.
“The public should expect dangerous driving conditions, particularly for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles,” McNamara said.
“We advise people to stay off the roads on Thursday and travel from Friday. This includes water activities – use this time to check your boat and safety equipment before the long weekend.
“We are not saying do not travel at all, we are just recommending people wait until the winds settle down ... you’ve got all weekend so take your time.”
McNamara said Marlborough Emergency Management was closely monitoring the situation, but expected the event would be short-lived.
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi regional manager Mark Owen said the weather warnings were critical and needed to be heeded by drivers.
“A red warning means there is an actual risk to life. It is essential that people pay it the respect it requires. Avoid travel if the weather is extreme. Avoid unnecessary travel and do not put yourself at risk, or those who may be required to rescue you should you run into trouble,” Owens said.
Drivers should expect delays as road closures due to Thursday’s winds would likely not reopen immediately.
“Please, make sure you check road and weather conditions before you travel, and make informed and sensible decisions,” Owen said.
Marlburians should also be prepared for disruptions to ferry services, and possible power outages, Marlborough Emergency Management said.
The wind could also cause damage to trees and roofs, with people advised to take care on walking and biking tracks.
The warning came after extreme weather on Tuesday sparked fires, rolled campervans, grounded flights and downed power lines. A Wellington man was killed by a falling branch.
Fire and Emergency NZ had issued a total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks in regions including Marlborough until 8am on Monday due to the extreme fire risk.
Rural residents were advised to “check, check, and check again” any burnoffs in the past two months, as they had the potential to reignite in the strong winds, McNamara said. If they saw any sign of heat or smoke, people should act immediately to fully wet down the site, or if this was not possible, call 111 so that firefighters could help.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) recommended ensuring livestock had access to shelter and that gates were secure to prevent livestock from getting loose.
MPI also recommended bringing pets inside or into a sturdy outbuilding, checking pastures for debris such as loose metal or broken branches, and taking care when transporting livestock and horses as vehicles could tip over in the winds.
Marlborough Emergency Management would be providing updates on the Marlborough District Council website and Facebook page, and the Antenno app.
For more information on preparing animals go to the preparing animals for emergencies page on the MPI website.
For preparedness advice go to www.getready.govt.nz.
For weather updates go to www.metservice.com.
By Kira Carrington for Local Democracy Reporting
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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