The message is clear – delay your travel today.

A Red Strong Wind Warning for Marlborough from Cape Campbell southwards (including the Kaikoura coast) and a Strong Wind Warning – Orange is in force for the rest of Marlborough from 6am to 4pm today.

Marlborough Emergency Management Regional Controller Richard McNamara said the peak winds were expected over the middle of today.

“The biggest impacts are likely to be felt in the Awatere Valley, Wairau Valley and the Marlborough Sounds. However, the message is that we do not want people travelling. This is about not putting yourself at risk or others as well as not extending our emergency services.

“This is expected to be a short, sharp event so let the winds go through and then we can get back to enjoying the Labour Day holiday weekend,” Mr McNamara said.

Metservice has forecast to severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of up to 140 km/h in exposed places.

The impact of a Strong Wind Warning – Red can cause threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds can cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.

“There is an extensive power outage at present across Marlborough. It is hoped the will be restored later this morning but if further damage occurs this may be pushed out. People should be prepared for an extended power outage. Don’t use your cell phones if possible except for texts. This will extend the life of the cell phone tower and your phone,” Mr McNamara said.

“Wastewater pump stations across Marlborough are affected by the power outage and some do not have generators. Please do not flush your toilet until advised otherwise.”

The strong winds today have resulted in the cancellation or closure of services as follows:

• Wither Hills Farm Park in Blenheim and the Snout Track in Picton are closed to the public. Wind gusts of 94 km/h have occurred on the Withers this morning.
• Blenheim and Picton transfer stations are closed due to power outages. Bluegums landfill is working at restricted levels of service. Please refrain from using the landfill unless absolutely necessary.
• Marlborough District Libraries in Blenheim and Picton are closed.
• InterCity has cancelled bus services between Marlborough and Christchurch today.
• The Coastal Pacific train service is cancelled today.
• BlueBridge Cook Strait ferries are cancelled today; the Interislander is currently running as normal but this is subject to change. Please check these companies’ Facebook pages for updates.

Visitors to Marlborough are advised to come to the Blenheim i-SITE for assistance.

For preparedness advice, please go to: https://getready.govt.nz

For weather updates go to: www.metservice.com

Further updates will be provided via Council’s website, Antenno and Facebook page.

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