Smashing Swells Predicted

Issued at 02:19pm 13-Mar-2007

Smashing Swells Predicted

MetService meteorologists have issued a weather warning for severe northwest gales on Wednesday over the southern North Island. Marine meteorologists are also forecasting the arrival of large ocean swells on the west coast of the North Island on Wednesday.

"These winds are likely to be strong enough to cause damage to trees and buildings and make driving conditions hazardous. This is the first significant blast of wind this year and may come as a bit of shock. Now is the time to clear away any unsecured items such as trampolines and rubbish bins."

"The ocean waves have been generated by the formation of a very deep depression south of Macquarie Island", explained MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "This low pressure centre has intensified to below 960 hectoPascals, a depth normally found in the Southern Ocean's winter storms."

McDavitt added that the ocean swells are likely to exceed five and occasionally exceed seven metres just offshore and to cause some extra large sweeping waves along the beach. "They will arrive with severe gale force onshore winds and squally showers and will make conditions unsafe for rock fishing or surfing. Boat owners anywhere on the west coast of the North Island, but particularly from about Wanganui northwards, should check their moorings beforehand."

Conditions are forecast to ease slowly during Thursday and people should keep up to date by checking the latest warning details.

ENDS

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