UPDATED

Two dozen weather warnings are currently in place across New Zealand as an aggressive storm that hit Australia last week moves in.

Government forecaster MetService has issued 24 warnings today.

Meanwhile WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters Richard Green and Philip Duncan both agree that while 130km/h winds are in the forecast for Canterbury they think it’s “not as likely” that Christchurch city will see the same wind speeds as inland Canterbury.

So far this morning winds have actually eased, however that is more indicative of wind direction rather than the winds actually easing.

“I believe the strongest winds will be tonight or tomorrow” says Mr Green “and inland Canterbury, around Darfield, will likely see the 130km/h wind gusts”.

You can read them in their entirety here.

The warnings include heavy rain for western regions south of Waitomo & King Country, including Taupo, all the way to Fiordland while severe gales are predicted for eastern areas south of Wairarapa and all the way to Southland.

Gusts of 140km/h are predicted in Wairarapa.

WeatherWatch.co.nz warns that severe gales could cause more serious problems to damaged houses.

Christchurch had winds up to 30km/h this morning (half way to gale force) with gusts to 45km/h however a slight change in wind direction this afternoon has seen those winds drop back – for now. 

Gale force northerlies are still affecting Akaroa.

Wellington’s northerly is also approaching gale force with sustained winds of 50km/h this morning and gusts to 80km/h.

CANTERBURY QUAKE:  Due to the earthquake WeatherWatch.co.nz will continue to monitor the weather for the Canterbury region and provide extra updates should they be warranted.