Walloping Winds

Monday, 15 November 2004, 11:43 am
Press Release: MetService

Mon, 15 Nov 2004

Walloping Winds

Winds are whipping up into a frenzy today over central parts of New Zealand.

MetService meteorologists have issued severe weather warnings for strong winds affecting all areas from Taranaki to Nelson in the west and from Hawke's Bay to Marlborough in the east, including Taihape, with forecast gusts reaching 120 km/hr or more. This is strong enough to damage trees, powerlines and roofs, and to make driving conditions hazardous, especially for motorcyclists, high sided trucks and cars towing caravans.

"These winds are expected to peak on Monday afternoon and evening," explained MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "They are being caused by a deep low-pressure centre that has formed at the back end of the front that crossed New Zealand on Sunday night. As this low makes its way across the South Island, isobars are being squashed closer together over central parts of the country".

Wind conditions are forecast to relax again on Tuesday. Latest weather warnings are available on the www.metservice.com website.

ENDS

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