Gita promises large waves, storm surges

CYCLONE Gita is expected to weaken to a category two storm – but could still pack a punch for New Zealand.

Metservice expects the remnants of Cyclone Gita will bring a ‘‘significant storm’’ in the next few days including large waves of up to 12m and storm surges in some low-lying coastal areas in central New Zealand.

MetService meteorologist Josh Griffin said central New Zealand from North Canterbury upwards was expected to be the worst affected area and the first watches and warnings associated with the storm were expected this morning.

It was still too early to track exactly where the centre of the cyclone will cross, but people can expect heavy rains and severe gales possibly exceeding 120kmph, he said.

The storm is expected to make landfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, but this may still EYE OF THE STORM p8-9 change depending on its current ‘‘speed and track’’.

Griffin said the storm would be affected by cooler New Zealand waters.

‘‘The whole structure of the storm changes. The winds, instead of being compact around the centre, they spread out over a broader area,’’ he said.

Griffin said the public should be tying down any loose items in their yards and ensure they keep up-todate on any new developments via the news media or metservice.com.

MetService said: ‘‘Heavy rain may affect some areas and there is a potential for rapidly rising streams and rivers and flooding.

‘‘Severe gales associated with Gita are likely so people are advised to secure property and items that may be blown away by strong wind gusts.’’

MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn warned that Kiwis should not rest on their laurels all weekend until the storm arrived.

‘‘We do know it’s coming to New Zealand, and we do know it’s going to be a significant storm when it gets here.

‘‘It’s still better to be prepared than to leave it just because you think your region won’t be affected, and then it turns out your region is one of the worst affected.’’