A severe weather warning has been issued by the MetService for lower parts of the South Island.
Gale-force winds are expected for coastal areas of Southland, Clutha and Dundedin.
The watch for these areas was upgraded to a warning this morning, with gusts of up to 120 km/h likely this afternoon.
"Those winds are going to be very strong and have the potential to make driving dangerous, particularly if you're on a motorbike or a moped or in a tall vehicle," says MetService meteorologist Emma Blades.
"Taking precautions such as tying down anything susceptible to blowing away and taking care on the roads is what we'd recommend."
The strongest winds are expected from Bluff to Otago Peninsula, with the potential for damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.
Strong winds are again expected in these areas from Monday afternoon through to Tuesday morning.
The weather watch for Buller, the Tararua range and Mount Taranaki has now been lifted.
Newshub.
