Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Cyclone Tam Brings Rain, Wind And Coastal Hazards To New Zealand
Covering period of Wednesday 16th - Friday 18th April
As Cyclone Tam approaches Aotearoa New Zealand from the north, the two-pronged weather event brings both heavy rain and strong winds, with impacts from the one likely to intensify impacts from the other. Warnings and Watches have been updated, with more areas added.
Easterly and northeasterly winds are forecast to reach unusually high speeds in Northland and Auckland, increasing the risk of damage to trees, structures, and powerlines. Both regions remain under Orange Warnings for Strong Winds, and hazardous travel conditions are possible. Gusts near the Auckland Harbour Bridge may approach 100 km/h today and could exceed that on Thursday.
The strong winds will also drive dangerous sea and coastal conditions for the upper North Island, with large waves potentially leading to coastal inundation and erosion. Swells of 5 to 6 metres are forecast, with additional large wind-driven waves expected tonight and into Thursday.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “The most likely areas for coastal impacts stretch from North Cape down to Coromandel, with the highest risk around high tide. People are encouraged to follow the advice of local authorities and avoid the coast if possible.”
Northland has already seen a wet start to the day under a Heavy Rain Warning. Orange Warnings for Heavy Rain are now in place for Coromandel and Western Bay of Plenty, while northern Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and northwest Tasman have been added from Thursday evening. A Watch remains in place for Auckland.
On top of this, thunderstorms are possible on Thursday in Northland and northern Auckland. These may locally intensify the effects of the ongoing heavy rain and strong winds in the area.
Cyclone Tam was officially reclassified early this afternoon as it moved south over cooler waters, changing the mechanisms driving the system. While Tam is no longer a tropical cyclone it remains a powerful and potentially damaging system with rainfall and strong winds expected over a wide area of the country over the days ahead.
“The most useful and up-to-date information on what to expect can be found on the Severe Weather page of the MetService website,” says Makgabutlane.
Gordon Campbell: On The Left’s Electability Crisis, And The Abundance Ecotopia
NZCAST: NZCAST Leads Ongoing Cross-Agency Collaboration To Break Down Barriers For Survivors Of State Abuse
Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa: Regional And Unitary Councils Back A Practical FWFP System
NZ Government: Stay Safe On Our Roads This Easter
YWCA: Global Push Back Against Gender Equality A Growing Crisis In Aotearoa
Te Pāti Māori: Ngarewa-Packer - Fast-Tracking Seabed Mining Ignores Māori Opposition And Environmental Precedent
New Zealand Defence Force: Defence And Customs Strengthen Maritime Security With Uncrewed Surface Vessels
