Published: 20 September 2025

4pm - 20/09 - Messaging from CDEM Group - MetService has issued a Red Weather Warning for exceptionally strong north to northwest winds across Canterbury from 10pm tonight (Saturday 20 September) through to Sunday afternoon.

Damaging wind gusts of 130–150 km/h are forecast in exposed areas.

Winds of this strength may:

damage powerlines and roofs
pose a threat to life from flying debris and falling trees
cause dangerous driving conditions
cause significant disruption to transport and power supply.

This event is different from typical wind warnings in Canterbury. Residents and visitors are urged to take this warning seriously and prepare now.

What you should do:

Charge devices and prepare for possible power outages.
Secure outdoor items and check your property for anything that could become airborne e.g. trampolines, outdoor furniture, rubbish bins.
Avoid unnecessary travel from 10pm tonight. If travel is essential, drive to the conditions. High-side vehicles are especially at risk.
Stay informed via radio, local council Facebook pages, and the CDEM Canterbury website.
Check any outdoor fire sites from the last two weeks. If you find any heat, smoke, or embers, pour water over the area until it is cold to the touch. Do not light any outdoor fires.
Do not carry out activities that could cause sparks or ignition outdoors, e.g. using gas cookers.

Canterbury Emergency Management will be working with other agencies to monitor the situation closely.

Updates will be shared across media channels including radio, in case of power outages.

If you, your family, or your property are at risk at any time, call 111 immediately.

3pm - 20/09 - Metservice has issued a Red Strong Wind Warning for Canterbury about and west of the foothills, also west of SH1 south of the Rakaia River from 10pm tonight (Saturday) until 3pm on Sunday.

Ashburton District Civil Defence is monitoring the situation and have been meeting with Civil Defence Emergency Management Canterbury Group, NEMA and lifeline agencies.

Damaging gusts of 150 km/h are expected in exposed places, causing threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.

Strong Wind Warning - Red

Area: Canterbury about and west of the foothills, also west of SH1 south of the Rakaia River

Period: 17hrs from 10:00pm Sat to 3:00pm Sun

Forecast: Severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of 150 km/h in exposed places.

Impact: Threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.

Action: Stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. Avoid travel. Be ready for power and communication outages.

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Strong Wind Warning - Orange

Area: Canterbury east of SH1 south of the Rakaia River, and away from the foothills further north

Period: 12hrs from 3:00am Sun to 3:00pm Sun

Forecast: Severe gale north to northwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, especially about Banks Peninsula.

Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.

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Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Area: Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers

Period: 12hrs from 3:00am Sun to 3:00pm Sun

Forecast: Expect 120 to 180 mm of rain about the main divide, and 100 to 150 mm within 30 km farther east. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected Sunday morning. Freezing level 2200 metres.

Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

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Other actions you can take to prepare:

Bring inside or tie down anything that can be broken or picked up by strong winds, such as outdoor furniture.
If you have a trampoline, turn it upside down to minimise the surface area exposed to wind
Remove any debris or loose items from around your property. Branches and firewood may become missiles in strong winds.
Clear debris and leaves from external drains and gutters to prevent overflow or water damage in heavy rain.
Bring pets indoors. They can be unsettled by severe weather and it is more comforting and safer for them to be with you.
Ensure livestock are not gathered under an isolated tree or anything that presents a risk from a lightning strike.
Moor boats securely or move to a designated safe location.
Use rope or chain to secure boat trailers. Use tie-downs to anchor a trailer to the ground or to a building.

Fire Hazards

Please check your old burn piles and make sure they are fully extinguished. That means turning the whole pile over to ensure there are no smouldering embers that can reignite with the wind.

For more information:

Radio stations are a vital means of getting the word out during a disaster event and are a great way to stay in the loop. Tune into these radio frequencies for the district.