Gale force winds are playing havoc in parts of the South Island this afternoon, with power out to thousands of homes in Canterbury. "We've not had any where we've had significant damage although we've had a couple small sheds and things that've been totally destroyed by the wind around Mosgiel." Fire and Emergency has also warned people to prepare for severe gales to hit most of Canterbury. Assistant area manager for Canterbury, Mike Johns, said the storm will be stronger than the gales of two days ago. The damaging winds are linked to a cold front which is expected to move up the South Island today and early tomorrow.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 11, 2021 22:53 UTC