News
2pm Update from Powernet:
The Transpower issue appears to be resolved, so many of you will have your power restored now and very soon. Please be aware that there will still be some people affected by storm damage, which may take longer to restore. We will update soon with further information.Kia Ora Team,Transpower NZ have had a significant interruption to their supply, which is affecting customers in Central Southland, Northern Southland, and all of Eastern Southland. We estimate about 25,000 people are without power in our regions. This issue is on top of damage we experienced to the network because of the wind. Transpower is working to restore supply now, and we expect to get our network back up and running in the next few hours. Please be aware though, that any damage from the wind earlier today will still need repair work from our teams. For now, we ask that you do not call our 0800 number to report that your power is out. We'll let you know when to start calling again. Meanwhile, we're aware that there have been some issues accessing our website.
2pm Update from Invercargill City Council:
Some trees have come down in Queens Park. Until the wind eases, it's best to avoid all parks if you can. We've also had some of the traffic lights around the city go out. Our teams are out working to restore them as quickly as possible. If you need to go out, please drive cautiously and take extra care on the roads. The railway crossing on West Plains Road is now clear; however, the lights are still out. KiwiRail will repair the lights tomorrow. In the meantime, please take extra care when approaching the crossing. For the latest power outage updates, please follow PowerNet.The good news is the winds are expected to ease over the next few hours.If you have concerns about trees or other potential hazards, please give us a call on 03 211 1777 or report them through Antenno.
Gale-force winds are battering Southland today, with gusts up to 120km/h forecast for exposed areas.
MetService has an orange strong wind warning in place for Southland south of Gore — including Invercargill and Stewart Island — until 2pm. Severe westerlies are the main hazard. Trees and power lines could come down, and high-sided vehicles and motorcycles face difficult conditions on the roads.
Power network company Powernet says outages have already been reported across parts of the region. "We're aware of outages in some parts of Southland and Invercargill, and out near Fortrose, Waimahaka, Tokanui, Slope Point," the company said this morning. "Our crews are out there finding faults and will repair any damage they find." Current outages can be tracked on the map on Powernet's website. Anyone whose power is out and unsure if it has been reported can call 0800 808 587.
Residents should secure anything outside that can move: trampolines, outdoor furniture, building materials.
Temperatures this morning sit around 8°C, with showers already falling. It will stay cool and blustery throughout the day — frequent showers, some heavy, with around 10mm of rain possible. The mercury is unlikely to get past 9-11°C. Winds should ease later this afternoon.
Higher and inland parts of Southland may see snow on elevated ground. Invercargill and most low-lying areas will get rain.
Overnight, showers continue but ease off. West to northwest winds remain. Lows of 6-7°C expected, with another 3mm of rain possible.
Monday looks better. Showers should clear, leaving a windy but partly cloudy day with a high near 14°C.
Motorcyclists and anyone driving a high-sided vehicle should take extra care today. Allow more time, check the latest forecasts, and drive to conditions. Powernet is also urging people to stay inside where possible, and to never approach downed lines or trees on lines. Call 111 if there is immediate danger.