sels1
24th July 2008, 13:34
Media release from Metservice....there goes the weekend....
"Issued at 12:31pm 24-Jul-2008
SEVERE STORM HEADING TOWARDS THE NORTH ISLAND
MetService is concerned about the potential wind, wave and rain impacts from a rapidly intensifying subtropical depression heading quickly towards New Zealand. This depression, currently off the Queensland coast, should follow a path close to Northland and Auckland on Saturday and Bay of Plenty and Gisborne on Sunday. It has the capacity to bring hazardous weather to many parts of the North Island.
"By the time this system reaches northern New Zealand on Saturday, it is likely to have significant destructive potential", commented Peter Kreft of MetService. "Damaging gales and/or very heavy downpours are possible in many North Island areas. At this early stage, it is too close to call which places will catch the worst of the storm."
Besides the threat to land areas, many parts of the North Island coast and surrounding seas are likely to be dangerous places at some point in the coming weekend. Very strong winds are likely to generate treacherous sea conditions.
Mr Kreft added "Given the potentially serious nature of this weather event, people are encouraged to keep abreast of the latest weather information on www.metservice.com".
For further information please contact:
Peter Kreft Manager Public Weather Services (04) 4700 806"
"Issued at 12:31pm 24-Jul-2008
SEVERE STORM HEADING TOWARDS THE NORTH ISLAND
MetService is concerned about the potential wind, wave and rain impacts from a rapidly intensifying subtropical depression heading quickly towards New Zealand. This depression, currently off the Queensland coast, should follow a path close to Northland and Auckland on Saturday and Bay of Plenty and Gisborne on Sunday. It has the capacity to bring hazardous weather to many parts of the North Island.
"By the time this system reaches northern New Zealand on Saturday, it is likely to have significant destructive potential", commented Peter Kreft of MetService. "Damaging gales and/or very heavy downpours are possible in many North Island areas. At this early stage, it is too close to call which places will catch the worst of the storm."
Besides the threat to land areas, many parts of the North Island coast and surrounding seas are likely to be dangerous places at some point in the coming weekend. Very strong winds are likely to generate treacherous sea conditions.
Mr Kreft added "Given the potentially serious nature of this weather event, people are encouraged to keep abreast of the latest weather information on www.metservice.com".
For further information please contact:
Peter Kreft Manager Public Weather Services (04) 4700 806"