High winds over inland and southern parts of the South Island are causing some issues for drivers in the area.

One motorcyclist was blown off his bike in very gusty conditions in Central Otago earlier this morning.Fortunately he escaped with no injuries.

Alpine passes over the South Island are also very windy in places and motrists are asked to drive with care. High sided campervans and towing vehicles are mostly at risk.

The winds are expected to continue to be very strong off and on throughout the day with peak gusts in excess of 100kph possible.

Rain is starting to pick up in intensity over parts of Westland as the soggy conditions head north and also much of Southland and parts of Central and South Otago are seeing rain develop.
Winds behind the system are expected to swing to the much colder southerly direction.

The North Island is mostly dry this morning with just a few showers around the hills across the Wellington region and also about North Taranaki.

Winds are also blustery in these regions and starting to pick up over other southern and western regions.

-WeatherWatch