We have a special Sunday update with the latest on the severe gales over parts of the country today. Generally speaking the winds peak today then ease back for many tonight or overnight.

On Monday another surge of nor’westers develops in the South Island and moves in to the lower North Island – but not as strong or as widespread as the gales we’ve got today.

Wind related damage is still possible today – here’s the latest warnings map from MetService.

There’s also alpine snow that may affect highways in the South Island – and some southern and western thunderstorms too.