Contractors for New Zealand Transport Agency are dealing with multiple fallen trees on South Island state highways this morning amid strong winds.

State Highway 94 between Milford and Te Anau recently reopened after a closure of about three hours due to treefall near Milford Sound.

Contractors have also been called out to deal with partial blockages of State Highway 73 in Canterbury and State Highway 6 on the West Coast due to fallen trees, prompting area warnings to motorists.

MetService has an orange strong wind warning in place for Canterbury about the high country and near the foothills until 5pm today, with a forecast of severe gale northwesterlies gusting up to 130 km/h in exposed places. Strong wind watches are also in effect for Otago and Southland.

NZTA is urging all road users to take extra care when travelling in these gale force winds, especially those in high-sided or towing vehicles and on motorcycles.

MetService also has orange heavy rain warnings in place for the ranges of the Westland, Grey and Buller districts, as well as the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur’s Pass.