Updated 3.50PM: The Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell has declared a State of Emergency for Canterbury and Civil Defence Emergency Management is urging residents to prepare for severe winds on Thursday, after MetService issued Red Strong Wind Warnings for the region.

The winds may produce widespread damage, especially to trees, powerlines, and could lift roofs. There may be road closures and power outages.

Local Controller Ian Soper said that relatively calm conditions on Wednesday offers residents the chance to take a few basic precautions.

"People should be checking their properties and securing any items that could be picked up in the wind.

"We recommend that people avoid non-essential travel tomorrow, particularly if you have a high-sided vehicle or motorcycles.

Mr Soper encourages people to be aware of their surroundings and take extreme caution if venturing outside.

“There is a real danger to people from flying debris or falling trees. Branches, fences or sheets of roofing material can all become missiles in strong winds. The safest course of action is to stay inside."

Fire and Emergency NZ is also warning of hazardous fire conditions and has declared a fire ban for Canterbury. No open fires or fireworks are allowed over the next few days.

What you can do:

• Check your property for loose items, and secure objects such as trampolines, outdoor furniture, bins and anything else that can get picked up by the wind.
• When parking your vehicle, be aware of any surroundings which could pose risk.
• Bring your pets inside and check your stock have safe shelter.
• Stay well clear of parks, reserves, river trails and any other areas with tall trees.
• Stay well clear of downed power lines and treat them as live at all times.
• Charge your devices (and electric vehicles), in case of power outages.
• Avoid lighting fires and check old burn piles for smouldering embers. They should be completely extinguished and cold to the touch.
• Civil Defence will monitor conditions through the day, stay informed at the links at the bottom of this article.
• In an emergency, always call 111.

Weather forecast

For the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch, MetService has issued a red strong wind warning valid from Thursday 10am-4pm. Severe gusts up to 130km/h are expected in exposed places.

For the Canterbury High Country, Metservice has a red strong wind warning in place from Thursday 1am-5pm.  These areas can expect severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of 150km/h in exposed places.

There is also an orange heavy rain warning in place for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and river, where 200 to 250 mm of rain is expected about the main divide. Within 40 km farther east, expect 100 to 160 mm south of Arthur's Pass and 60 to 100 mm elsewhere. Thunderstorms expected.

Fire and fireworks ban

Fire and Emergency NZ have issued a total ban on open fires and fireworks across the whole of Canterbury until 8am on 27 Monday October. This means no new fires at all, for any reason, and no fireworks.

They ask every landowner, agricultural contractor, forestry manager and lifestyle block owner to help them avoid more fires starting, or reigniting from previous burns.

Anyone who has had an outdoor fire since the beginning of September is asked to check today that it is completely out. If there is any sign of heat or smoke, please act immediately to fully wet down the site. If this is not possible, call 111 so that firefighters can assist.

Rivers and Flooding

Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, however significant out-of-river flooding is not expected at this stage.  Take caution around riverbanks and low-lying areas.

Electricity

Strong winds may down power lines and cause outages, so charge your devices today. If you come across downed lines, stay clear and assume any downed lines are live and potentially dangerous.

Report downed lines immediately to EA Networks on 0800 430 460 and check the EA Networks website for real-time information on any outages that may be occurring.

Rubbish and Recycling

If safe, kerbside collections will be still operating on Thursday, however the Council recommends not putting your bin out if it can wait until the next collection day.

If you must put your bin out, make sure it's out on the kerb by 7.30am and use the bin wind straps. The collection team will have extra staff to help deal with any issues.

The Ashburton and Rakaia Transfer Stations are likely to be closed on Thursday until winds ease.

Stay Informed:

• Follow the Council and Canterbury CDEM Facebook pages for further updates.
• View the latest MetService Weather Warnings - metservice.com/warnings
• Road closures will be shown on our live road network map
• EA Networks Power Outage Updates - Power Outages
• Radio New Zealand is the official civil defence lifeline radio broadcaster - Ashburton frequency: 101.3 FM
• Text your post code to 4196 for free Council text alerts.
• Use the Snap, Send, Solve app or call 03 307 7700 to report any issues to the Council.