Photo: Gregor RichardsonStrong winds battering the country have cut power to many customers, closed roads and caused fires in parts of the South Island - including in Dunedin. SH7 at the Hanmer turnoff to Springs Junction/Lewis Pass is closed as trees have blown into power lines. Norris said there had been a "significant weather event" that started with very strong wind around Dunedin early on Thursday evening. Strong winds caused problems across Otago yesterday, overturning at least one truck and two trailers and tearing a boat from its moorings. "All of the incidents that we've had have been hampered by very strong winds.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 09, 2021 19:18 UTC