A strong wind warning for Southland, Fiordland Lakes and Stewart Island has been issued by MetServoce.

Forecasters expect northwest gales to become severe in exposed places with gusts of 120 km/h from about midnight tonight (Wednesday, 9 March 2016).

They say that on Thursday afternoon winds should turn southwest, with gusts of 120 km/h about coastal Southland (including Stewart Island), easing early on Thursday night.

• Visit the ICC website weather page to check the latest MetService forecasts and/or warnings for you area.