The South Island has been buffeted by ‘norwest gales today giving us some interesting cloud patterns. Trucks have been blown over in Otago, power has been out in Canterbury, and a mini tornado struck in Central Otago.

We helped friends move house today & fortunately the weather was warm and the wind didn’t start til late afternoon. But we now have very strong gusts so could be a disturbed night. Must be wild inland as we normally don’t get affected by the norwest wind.