Heavy Rain and Gales Hit Clutha, Southland, and Surrounding

• Severe gale west to northwesterlies and heavy rain are hitting southern New Zealand.
• Stewart Island and coastal areas of Southland, Clutha, and Dunedin are most affected.
• Warnings and watches for heavy rain and severe gales remain in effect.

A front moving northeast over the South Island is causing heavy rain in Westland and severe gale west to northwesterlies in parts of central and southern New Zealand. Areas most affected include Stewart Island and coastal regions of Southland, Clutha, and Dunedin.

The period of concern spans from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday, 1 June. Forecasts indicate that west to southwest winds could reach severe gale levels in exposed locations. Authorities have issued warnings and watches to alert residents of potential hazards due to the severe weather conditions.