Gale force nor’westers are already slamming the Capital with gusts in the past few minutes reaching 140km/h.  WeatherWatch.co.nz predicts gusts to 150km/h today across exposed parts of central New Zealand.

As a result of the severe winds some domestic flights have been cancelled at Wellngton airport.

Our reporter there, Drew Chappell, says flights are now being diverted.

Inland Canterbury will still have potentially damaging wind speeds with 100 to 150 km/h gusts inland and 90 to 100 km/h gusts near the coast, in the afternoon these winds start to ease however. Anywhere about the lower North Island (mainly the Wellington region) and all of eastern Marlborough will likely see very strong winds from morning, gale fore northwesterlies are likely with severe gale gusts at times especially in the afternoon. These winds then ease overnight.

However with wind gusts already hitting 140km/h it looks as though it will be a long and windy day for the lower North Island.  WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasts winds to ease quickly overnight in many areas.

Those flying domestically across New Zealand today should check with their airline and airport.

As of 8:15am international flights in and out of Wellington appeared to unaffected however once you get to gusts of 140km/h any flight could be diverted or delayed.

By Weather Analysts Philip Duncan and Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz