Red wind warnings are now in place for parts of Canterbury, with gusts threatening to reach up to 150km/h.
Cantabrians received an emergency mobile alert for "severe wind" late on Saturday morning.
Between the time of writing and 5pm on Saturday, these winds could reach up to 150km/h in the Canterbury High Country, while Christchurch and Banks Peninsula were expecting 140km/h gusts.
MetService said the winds were "expected to produce widespread damage".
"Transport and power networks are likely to be significantly impacted, with road closures and power outages," the forecaster said.
"Conditions will be hazardous for motorists and there is a danger to life from flying debris and falling trees or branches."
While the winds were expected to ease later on Saturday, MetService said another period of severe gusts were forecast for Sunday morning.
MetService has also issued orange strong wind warnings for Marlborough and Wellington.
