Gusts shut container port
Large tree also torn apart in park as wild winds whip region
Napier Port was forced to close its container terminal and two depots amid safety concerns after high winds— with gusts forecast to possibly hit 120km/h in the region.
Aport spokeswoman said both the Thames St depots and the container terminal had been closed on Tuesday “for the safety of its people and contractors”.
“Gusts of 45 knots have hit the port and safety protocols require the port to close until conditions improve, meaning no machines are operating on-site and no trucks will be allowed entry,” she said.
When winds reach 38 knots a warning is triggered, giving the port time to prepare to close if it reaches 45 knots.
MetService meteorologist Mmathatelo Makgabutlane said severe westerly gales were expected in exposed areas of the region, with gusts potentially reaching 120km/h.
Astrong wind warning was put in place for areas of Hawke’s Bay south of Hastings and the Tararua District until 6p mon Tuesday.
“Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures,” MetService said.
“Drivingmaybe hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.”
Alarge macrocarpa tree was also damaged and later removed in Napier on Tuesday. ANapier City Council spokeswoman said the big tree in Anderson Park, Napier, had been damaged by the wild weather.
“Limbs have come off and it split as well, revealing some decay in the centre of the tree,” she said. Acrane was sent to remove the tree.
A Hastings District Council also closed Eskdale Park on Tuesday morning as a precautionary measure due to the gusts.
Meanwhile, a spokes woman for the Amazing Dinosaur Discovery tour, which has a large high-top marquee erected on Marine Pde, Napier, said the wind hadn’t affected the show or their tents. Makgabutlane said the strongest gust of wind in Hawke’s Bay on Tuesday was in Takapau Plains.
“Wings reached 93km/h there about lunchtime.
“Napier’s wind pickedup throughout the day, with its biggest gust above 80km/h.”
Wind at Cape Kidnappers reached speeds of 80km/h, while Ma¯hia (72km/h) and Wairoa (70km/h) were not much calmer.
Windspeeds averaged 45km/h in Napier on Tuesday.
A Central Hawke’s Bay District Council spokeswoman said there had been no weather-related issues in the district. “The winds begin to die off overnight on Tuesday and into Wednesday,” Makgabutlane said.
“While southwesterlies will still be present, they’ll be significantly lighter than they were on Tuesday.”