Police are warning motorists to exercise care when travelling in the Otago Southland area over the next 12 hours, particularly those travelling in high sided vehicles or on motorcycles.
“The forecast high winds are beginning to cause issues for motorists in the Southland and Central Otago areas, with one crash near Ranfurly thought to be related to the weather conditions” Inspector Kelvin Lloyd of the Southern District Command Centre said.
Police staff were reporting the winds were making driving conditions difficult, especially in open areas and in the Southland area. Trucks, camper vans and motorcycles are especially vulnerable. As well as this, winds were blowing dust from fields in rural areas, reducing visibility in some cases.
“Motorists are asked to take care, and be aware of the dangers associated with the winds” Inspector Lloyd said.
The advice from the Met Service was that the conditions were expected to last through the day and into Sunday evening.
Released by
Inspector Kelvin Lloyd
Southern District Command Centre