Issued at 02:24pm 06-Mar-2006
Compact Depression May Pack a Punch
MetService meteorologists are closely watching a compact depression that is heading rapidly towards northern New
Zealand. It is forecast to cross Northland on Tuesday afternoon and be near East Cape by the end of the day, although
there is still some uncertainty about its exact track and timing.
"This system has been packing a mighty punch," commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "Over the weekend
it battered Queensland's Gold coast. A slight change in its path can mean that some potentially damaging winds and a
burst of heavy rain may affect parts of Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne or
Waikato near the Kaimai Ranges."
McDavitt says that those involved in outdoor activities in the north on Tuesday will need to double-check the weather
forecasts and be prepared for a brief burst of intense wind and rain if this system changes track.
ENDS