Strong winds cause damage in Southland and Otago

Saturday 31 May 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Sat 31 May 2025, 1:20pm

In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand, MetService

High winds have caused roofs to lift and trees to fall across the lower South Island. Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to 10 callouts in Invercargill and several in Dunedin during the early hours of Saturday. Strong wind warnings remain in place for parts of the South Island and lower North Island.

How they headlined it

3h

8:25am10:11am1:20pm

1. RNZSat 31 May 2025, 8:25am

   Strong wind warnings for lower North Island, parts of South Island (opens in new tab)

   • Flight to Dunedin unable to land due to high winds (opens in new tab) Sat 31 May 2025, 1:20pm
2. StuffSat 31 May 2025, 9:08am

   High winds bring down trees, lift roofs in Southland, Otago (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesSat 31 May 2025, 9:14am

   Fire crews called out after heavy weather hits (opens in new tab)

4. 1News via RNZSat 31 May 2025, 10:11am

   Roofs lift off houses, trees fall as strong winds batter South Island (opens in new tab)