Strong winds have caused damage to a roof under repairs at a Dunedin home, the Fire Service says.

Southern communications shift manager Karl Patterson said firefighters were sent to secure loose roofing iron at a property in Musselburgh shortly after 3pm.

The roof was being repaired so parts of it had not been secured and became loose in the wind, he said. No one was hurt.

A severe thunderstorm watch for Christchurch, Canterbury Plains and North Otago was issued by government forecasters – notifying residents of a wet and grim end to their weekend.

“A few of the thunderstorms may be severe producing large damaging hail, strong squally winds, localised heavy rain and possibly a small tornado,” a government spokesperson said.

With large hailstones expected, farmers should watch out for their crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles.

Motorists should also take care.

A respite in the severe weather was expected early evening, with thunderstorm activity forecast to ease.

– NZ Herald