Tornado closes parkland at Cornwallis

2 October 2006

A mini-tornado that swept through Cornwallis last night has closed parkland for the rest of the week.

Western sector acting principal ranger Scott De Silva says the tornado whipped through last night and left many damaged trees in its wake.

“More than a dozen pohutukawa trees have lost limbs and a very old gum tree has come down in the picnic area.

“We have closed the park for the rest of the week until we can assess the damage and clean up the mess the storm has made.

“School holidays bring many people to Cornwallis and the Waitakere Ranges, so we must close this part of the park to ensure their safety,” he says.

Gates to Cornwallis have been closed and signs, informing visitors of the parkland closure, have been put up. It is expected to re-open at the weekend.

Visitors can contact the Auckland Regional Council 09 366 2000 or the Arataki Visitor Centre 09 817 0088 for closure information.

ENDS

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