Sounds facing cross-strait gales

Marlborough Sounds and coastal communities should prepare for gale-force winds blowing across the Cook Straight, per an alert from MetService for Thursday night through Friday evening.

The orange-level strong wind warning covers the Sounds, Seddon and Ward, as well as Wellington.  In its Wednesday morning update, MetService forecasted "severe gale southerlies gusting 120km/h in exposed places" but a minimal chance of upgrading the warning to red.

MetService cited the prospects of "damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures" and that "driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously."

Check Weather Warnings & Watches | MetService for regular updates.