Strong wind warnings are in place for most of the South Island and parts of the lower North Island.

MetService said a strong north-westerly was hitting the country and would change to a south-westerly later on Monday.

There are at least 2000 properties without power in Otago, Canterbury and the Wellington region.

For local outages check The Central App under reports sectionAurora Energy

Eighty Air New Zealand flights, eight Interislander ferry sailings and six Bluebridge crossings have been cancelled so far due to poor weather conditions across the country.

Waka Kotahi says SH 80 has closed and SH 8 between Fairlie and Twizel could close at short notice.

There was also a heavy rain warning for Westland, along with road snowfall warnings for mountain passes.

NIWA said there has been more than 6500 lightning strikes over the South Island and the sea since midnight.

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Stay updated for Central Otago here Power outages and here Special Road and Weather report