Transport and weather authorities are advising motorists to stay off the roads as destructive winds and heavy rain are set to hit the South Island this weekend. 

Fire authorities are also urging people not to light outdoor fires due to the higher fire risk. 

MetService has issued a red strong wind warning - the highest level - for the Canterbury region; saying gusts of up to 150k/h are forecast in exposed places. 

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said MetService advised motorists to avoid travel in Canterbury about and west of the foothills and west of State Highway 1 south of the Rakaia River. 

KiwiRail has cancelled its Sunday TranzAlpine service due to severe weather. 

Tomorrow’s 7.45 am service from Christchurch to Greymouth and the 2.15 pm return journey have both been canned, thanks to severe rain and gale warnings from MetService. 

KiwiRail says no further services have been affected at this stage. 

The severe winds have the potential to cause threat to life from flying objects and falling trees, the weather authority says, and may cause widespread damage, including downed powerlines. 

Fire and Emergency district commander, Rob Hands, has made the plea after firefighters’ efforts to put out a scrub fire in Canterbury this week were hampered by high winds. 

“We had a foretaste of this last Wednesday, when there were multiple fires across our region - and our firefighters dealt with some very challenging situations due to preventable fires. 

“We want to avoid that happening again.” 

Hands said the winds will make any fires very hard to control and could easily ignite old fires that have not been completely extinguished. 

Anyone who has had an outdoor fire in the last two weeks is being urged to check the site and make sure it is completely out, Hands said. 

Members of the public are told to put water on the ash piles or embers if there is any sign of heat. 

MetService’s latest advisory this afternoon said a red warning has been issued for the Canterbury High Country for damaging northwesterly winds. 

“It’s looking like a blustery night and an intense Sunday ahead. 

“Nearly all of the South Island and parts of the lower North Island are under orange strong wind warnings from late Saturday into Sunday,” MetService said. 

“Gusts up to 120km/h are expected in exposed areas.” 

Heavy rain warnings also in place 

Orange heavy rain warnings are also in place for western parts of the South Island - West Coast and the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers. 

Westland is forecast to get heavy rainfall of between 120mm to 180mm and strong winds of up to 120km/h. Those in the area are advised that there is a risk of flooding, slips and power outages as a result. 

“Rivers and streams may rise rapidly and surface flooding is possible.” 

The Grey District is also in for strong winds and potential severe gusts in exposed areas. Members of the public are told to secure loose items and be prepared for travel delays. 

Anyone in the Buller District should expect windy conditions and rainfall increasing today and tomorrow. People in the area are urged to drive with caution on exposed and elevated roads. 

With school holidays also now underway, authorities are urging those travelling on roads to be extra careful and to keep up-to-date with weather forecasts and warnings.