Wild winds batter North, snow in South
Severe gales ripped through the North Island yesterday, downing powerlines and leaving 200 Tu¯a¯kau residents without power.
A number of weather warnings were in force across the country, with southwest winds approaching severe gales hitting Auckland, Coromandel and coastal parts of Waikato.
Gusts peaked at 131km/h at Cape Reinga yesterday morning, while 114km/h winds blasted Manukau, MetService said. A trough moved eastwards across the North Island yesterday, followed by a strong, cold west-to-southwest flow.
Hundreds of homes and businesses were without power yesterday afternoon, as violent gales toppled trees and sent branches flying, cutting power in rural areas stretching from Karaka to Waiuku.
A Counties Power spokeswoman said the winds had caused problems across the network, with a large tree felling power lines and cutting electricity to scores of customers.
WeatherWatch’s Philip Duncan said winds were expected to ease overnight but exposed areas may get the worst of it today, including Great Barrier Island, northern Coromandel and parts of Northland.
Northlanders were warned to tie gear down until the winds began to ease later today and tomorrow.
MetService warned of significant swells hitting West Coast beaches of both islands for the next two days, with waves up 6m high expected about Kaipara, north of Auckland.
WeatherWatch said waves up to 8m high could slam the Manukau Heads at the harbour’s entrance.
Showers were expected to turn to snow around the summit of Desert Rd, with up to 2cm expected to fall.
Snow showers may return tonight, with up to 3cm at nearby summits, MetService said.
Snow warnings were in place for Arthur’s Pass, Milford Rd and Crown Range Rd, and for Dunedin to the Waitati Highway, Lindis Pass and Haast Pass.