Winter storm still on track

MetService News Release
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2013

Winter storm still on track

The developing winter storm that will move across much of New Zealand during the second half of this week is still on track to bring very significant snow to low levels and biting southerly gales.

MetService Media and Communications Meteorologist Daniel Corbett commented,"This winter storm will have quite a bit of bark and bite, and is expected to bring widespread severe weather for much of New Zealand."

The strong southerly change will begin to work up the South Island early on Wednesday and will have reached the far north of the North Island by Thursday. Another deepening low to the east of central New Zealand will generate south or southwesterly winds up to severe gale around many exposed coasts.

This bitterly cold southerly flow will result in snow showers, which could fall to low levels as far north as central New Zealand. There could also be some significant snow accumulation in parts of Canterbury, including Christchurch, and in Marlborough, where up to 80cm is possible for this event about higher passes.

Very strong westerlies from Northland to Taranaki, accompanied by squally showers, may give high wind gusts during Thursday. Large waves are also expected on many beaches.

This very intense and significant winter storm will slowly ease by the weekend, leaving cold frosty nights in its wake.

Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and watches/warnings at metservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates on MetService TV, @metservice on Twitter and at blog. metservice.com.

ENDS

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