Severe gale, heavy rain warnings as front packs a punch

<p>Wind gusts of up to 211km/h were recorded in the Canterbury high country overnight, as changeable spring weather brought "four seasons in one day". </p> <p>Strong wind watches remain in place for Hawke's Bay, Canterbury, and Southland as northwesterly winds batter exposed spots of the south and east.</p> <p>New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said it would proactively close SH94 from Te Anau to Milford at 4.30pm today due to forecast snow on Milford Rd. </p> <h2>Drivers to 'take extra care' </h2> <p>NZTA said people travelling between Canterbury and the West Coast today were urged to "take extra care" due to strong winds and road disruptions. </p> <p>"On State Highway 7, the road is down to a single lane with stop/go traffic management because of fallen trees near Heslop Creek Bridge, between Rahu Saddle and Springs Junction. Short delays can be expected," a spokesperson said.