Severe weather warning for Hawke's Bay

A severe weather warning has been issued for Hawke's Bay for Sunday with severe gales expected.

MetService said northwesterlies are expected to become blustery over the South Island Saturday morning and over the lower North Island Saturday evening in the east.

It said severe gales are possible in parts of Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay south of Hastings during Sunday.

Gusts in these areas may reach 120km/h in exposed places, but could reach 140km/h about the Tararua District and Central Hawkes Bay Sunday morning.

Winds of this strength have the potential to damage trees, powerlines and unsecure structures and can make driving hazardous.