News
• Severe winds brought down trees and cut power in parts of Invercargill overnight
• Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and drive cautiously due to ongoing gusts
• Conditions expected to ease this evening, with calmer weather returning on Sunday
Severe winds have battered Invercargill and wider Southland, causing power cuts, road hazards, and damage to trees across the region. Gusts of up to 120 km/h were recorded along coastal and elevated areas, particularly affecting exposed suburbs and rural roads. The wild weather is expected to ease gradually from mid-afternoon but strong gusts may continue into the evening.
An orange strong-wind warning remains in effect for Southern Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha, and Dunedin until 3 p.m. Saturday. The winds, coming from the southwest, have been especially hazardous on roads including SH1 between Edendale and Gore, the Bluff Causeway, the Catlins, and other open country routes.
Updated: Sunday 1st June.
❌ CLOSED: Until at least Tuesday:
- Seaward Bush Track
- Ness Street / Russell Square
- Estuary Walking Track – Closed from Stead Street Wharf to the northern end of the boardwalk
✅ OPEN:
- Anderson Park – Open. Please take care.
- Walking Track beside Splash Palace – Open with caution.
- Invercargill Transfer Station
Council teams are working hard to clear fallen trees as quickly as possible. Please avoid affected areas and stay safe.
Authorities advise motorists to reduce speed, use both hands on the wheel, and take extra care—especially those driving high-sided vehicles or motorcycles.
The rough conditions have forced the closure of the Invercargill Transfer Station on Bond Street, where a fallen tree is blocking access. Emergency crews are working on-site, but there is no estimate yet on when it will reopen.
Power has also been cut to parts of the city. Affected residents can check the Powernet website for updates on restoration times.
Storm Disrupts Power Supply Across Southern Networks
PowerNet is urging customers across its networks to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages following stormy weather overnight and into today. Three of PowerNet’s managed networks — The Power Company Limited, OtagoNet, and Electricity Invercargill Limited — have experienced significant disruption, affecting supply to thousands of customers across the
News Desk
In addition, multiple parks and reserves have been impacted, with fallen trees and scattered debris reported. Council teams are assessing the damage and beginning clean-up operations. People are urged to stay clear of areas with visible tree damage or hanging branches.
The wild weather will ease tonight, with winds reducing steadily after sunset and dropping further overnight. By early Sunday morning, most inland areas should be mostly fine, although a few coastal showers may still linger.
Sunday will bring a brief break in the rough weather, with warmer temperatures, broken cloud and a north-westerly breeze. However, the reprieve will be short-lived, as another front is set to arrive on Queen’s Birthday Monday, bringing fresh winds and showers.