A weather front which could bring tornadoes to the West Coast tomorrow is expected to bring strong winds to Otago and Southland. A strong wind watch is in place for Otago and Southland from tomorrow evening until about dawn Friday, and the MetService says northwesterlies could reach severe gale in exposed places at times. A heavy rain watch is also in place for the headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers from 7pm tomorrow until 3am Friday. There was a strong wind warning in place for Canterbury High Country. "Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 14, 2018 02:48 UTC