Southland Bashed By Strong Winds

Strong winds have bashed the province today.

The MetService website shows that Invercargill was copping the worst of it strong Westerly blowing 61km/hr with gusts reaching 80km/hr

Gore was faring a bit better with a fresh SouWesterly blowing 39km/hr with gusts up to 70km/hr

Te Anau was also having a windy day with a fresh NorWester blowing 35km/hr with gusts up to 57km/hr.

The rough and tumble weather didn’t deter fans heading for the annual Southland Racing Club Christmas At The Races Meeting at Ascot Park. Many race goers were seen heading for the entry gates wearing their race day clobber complete with coats and puffer jackets.

The strong winds would’ve made getting to and from cars to the shops for Christmas shopping hard work and unpleasant work for many.

Southern Police report that their staff have been blown away by strong winds on State Highway 1 between Dunedin and Balclutha.

Police are asking that motorists take care on the roads especially if you are in a high sided vehicle.

The forecast for the Southland region is for mostly cloudy skies with showers and the strong winds gusting up to 90km/hr until tonight.

Take care if you are heading out and about tonight, looks like these winds won’t die down in a hurry.

We hope that the big chappy in red won’t have to battle these winds in a couple of weeks.