Gales are roaring across parts of the South Island kicking off what WeatherWatch.co.nz describes as a “windy more Autumn like” week ahead.

Gales are hammering Dunedin with unconfirmed reports of waterspouts or funnel clouds being seen over the harbour earlier this morning.

According to Newstalk ZB winds are averaging 80km/h and gusting to 115km/h.  WeatherWatch.co.nz says winds of that speed could cancel some flights today.

This video was sent in to us by Dunedin resident Paul Le Comte, showing what he says are treacherous conditions crossing the peninsula causeway as the sea blows across the road. (If you can’t see the video try clicking here to view)

Meanwhile winds are even stronger on Stewart Island where gusts in the past hour hit almost 180km/h according to NewstalkZB. 

Wind Warnings via Metservice, as of 11:45am.

Christchurch
Warning Strong Wind Warning, Areas Affected: Exposed areas of South Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Severe gale northwest winds with damaging gusts of 130km/hr are affecting exposed areas but are expected to ease by about early afternoon today.

Canterbury Plains
Warning Strong Wind Warning, Areas Affected: Exposed areas of South Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Severe gale northwest winds with damaging gusts of 130km/hr are affecting exposed areas but are expected to ease by about early afternoon today.

Canterbury High Country
Warning Strong Wind Warning, Areas Affected: Exposed areas of South Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Severe gale northwest winds with damaging gusts of 130km/hr are affecting exposed areas but are expected to ease by about early afternoon today.

Dunedin City
Warning Strong Wind Warning, Areas Affected: Exposed areas of South Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Severe gale northwest winds with damaging gusts of 130km/hr are affecting exposed areas but are expected to ease by about early afternoon today.

Otago
Warning Strong Wind Warning, Areas Affected: Exposed areas of South Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Severe gale northwest winds with damaging gusts of 130km/hr are affecting exposed areas but are expected to ease by about early afternoon today.

Southern Lakes
Warning Strong Wind Warning, Areas Affected: Exposed areas of South Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Severe gale northwest winds with damaging gusts of 130km/hr are affecting exposed areas but are expected to ease by about early afternoon today.

Southland
Warning Strong Wind Warning, Areas Affected: Exposed areas of South Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Severe gale northwest winds with damaging gusts of 130km/hr are affecting exposed areas but are expected to ease by about early afternoon today.