Wild winds keep crews busy in South

• Published date: 21 November 2020
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times: Web Edition Articles (New Zealand)

The blustery winds made road travel hazardous in many areas of South Otago and Southland.

The New Zealand Transport Agency advised that State Highway 93 (Clinton to Mataura) was closed this afternoon due to a fallen tree taking out powerlines. Contractors and the power company were working to restore supply.

ODT reporter John Cosgrove battled the winds as he navigated his way around the Catlins and West Otago while on assignments today.

"Outside of Tapanui at the West Otago A&P annual show, several tents were hurriedly dismantled when the winds started picking up around 11.30am.

"Fire and Emergency NZ staff from Clinton were turning cars and trucks away near the start of the Clinton/Mataura Road due to fallen power lines further down past the Owaka Valley turn-off.

"On that road as I drove towards Owaka I watched several milk tankers, light trucks and horse floats being battered by heavy southerly winds, while many street and road signs were blown over in many parts."

Mr Cosgrove said on the Karoro Creek Rd towards Kaka Point he had to stop and move a large tree branch which had just fallen over the road blocking one side of it.

"Along the Kaka Point Rd towards Balclutha, severe southerly gusts rocked my car as they blew out...