The winds in Canterbury are living up to the warnings, with residents sharing footage showing just how fierce the gusts are and the damage they’re causing.

A video from Canterbury Weather Updates shows multiple powerlines down on Leslie Hills Road, between Culverden and Waiau. One pole has snapped in half, hanging dangerously over the road.

“Ahhh, I don’t think that’s meant to be there,” says the man behind the camera.

“F***k, this is hectic. There ain’t gonna be power for a while, guys. Oh, I’m gonna get the f***k outta here,” he adds, driving past the damage through a grass paddock.

Meanwhile, Invercargill saw a massive tree fall dangerously close to traffic at the Tay Street intersection near the Tweed Street roundabout.

A good reminder to stay off the roads unless you absolutely have to.

Other areas around Canterbury are also being blasted, with gusts around 120km/h reported between Mt Somers and Hanmer Springs.

A large tree has been pictured blocking a main road in Hanmer Springs.

Earlier this morning, a truck rolled over just before Porters on State Highway 73, showing the intensity of the winds.

Many road closures remain in place - with updates via NZTA here.

Culverden residents are also reporting fierce winds, with a video capturing extreme gusts blowing dust and debris past home windows.

Metservice red wind warnings remain for Canterbury High Country, Marlborough (from Cape Campbell southwards), Wellington, and Wairarapa south of Carterton.

Earlier this week, a driver caught dashcam footage of the fierce winds blowing a person into the middle of a road in front of oncoming traffic.

A state of local emergency is still in place for Canterbury as the winds continue to cause destruction, power outages, road closures and property damage.

As always, follow official advice and prioritise your safety.