Significant storm to brush New Zealand

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Significant storm to brush New Zealand

15/09/2010 5:00pm

> From the WeatherWatch archives

One of the largest storms on the planet is churning away south of New Zealand with a central air pressure estimated to be in the 950’s hPa range and covering an area the size of Australia reports WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The storm has a very large centre but while the true middle of the system is likely to remain at least 1000kms south of the country gales, heavy rain and snow, are still going to make a direct hit on New Zealand over the next few days.

Wind:
Strong to gale force winds will be the main feature of the system with central, eastern and northern areas most exposed. Blustery conditions will affect the entire North Island with severe gales likely about Wellington, Wairarapa and the tops of ranges. WeatherWatch.co.nz says that, in some isolated areas, the winds may be strong enough to bring down trees, power lines and even partially damage poorly built roofs/barns.

The strong winds will also making driving much more difficult, especially for motorbikes, vans, trucks and other high sided vehicles.

Rain:
Heavy rain being blown in with the west to north west flow will accumulate in the western ranges. All western regions from Fiordland to Waikato and will be exposed to the heavy rain starting today with a number of fronts lasting until the weekend. Eastern areas, such as Canterbury, should miss most of the rain – which will be good news for many residents still dealing with the earthquake.

Snow:
Heavy snow is expected with a southerly change – direct off the Antarctic shelf – in Southland and Otago during Friday and Saturday. The main concern will be for farmers in the middle of lambing. WeatherWatch.co.nz expects wind chills to be brutal dropping between -10 and -20 on some exposed farms. WeatherWatch.co.nz advises farmers to start preparing to move vulnerable stock into barns or sheltered areas by the end of Thursday.

WeatherWatch.co.nz will monitor this storm closely and provide regular updates over the coming days – and will let you know if the storm is still on track, weakening or strengthening from this forecast.

MetService Severe Weather Outlook showers most of NZ in for rough weather

Comments

Before you add a new comment, take note this story was published on 15 Sep 2010.

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DahNaymez on 17/09/2010 10:19am

There seems to be a combination of weather here in auckland only thing that seems to be missing is thy snow.we got heavy rain heavy wind lightening and etc..oh my goodness who would thought something like this could happen 2 little ol NEWZEALAND hope all is well for our families out there..

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Guest on 16/09/2010 3:39am

Beautiful and sunny in Invercargill.
BUT im guessing it will hit us somewhat. Weather forecasters always get it wrong down this end. TV3 alot of times will show Invers as wet and cold but im sitting there in a tee shirt looking at blue skies. Go figure.

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WW Forecast Team on 16/09/2010 3:51am

Yeah it’s a funny part of the country – I know we’ve struggled a bit with accuracy in this region too. (TV3 get their weather from MetService).

Keep us up to date with what’s happening…it’s all about wind direction this weekend. Too much to the west and you’ll be fairly dry, too much to the south and you’ll get snow to low levels.

Philip Duncan

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Guest on 16/09/2010 12:36am

Brutal wind chills of -10 to -20?? The prediction by Metservice of a windchill around 0 is way more believable….

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WW Forecast Team on 16/09/2010 2:28am

Our wind chills are for the high country farms where wind chills of -10 to -20 are common during severe Antarctic blasts. Most main centres will probably drop to -5 during the coldest part (hopefully while many are sleeping on Saturday morning).

– WeatherWatch

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Guest on 16/09/2010 12:08am

Whangarei is wet, some heavy rain.. hope the weather guys are right this time.. seem to get it wrong a lot!!!

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WW Forecast Team on 16/09/2010 2:26am

Whangarei is furthest away from the energy of this system – so you’re most likely just going to have a few blustery days and some more rain.

– WeatherWatch

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Zina on 16/09/2010 12:02am

raining n so windy here in mount maungnaui, picking up slowly also

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