UC Expert Describes Auckland Tornado As A Furious Image On The Radar
December 6, 2012
A University of Canterbury weather expert today described Auckland’s fatal tornado as a furious image on the radar.
UC lecturer in meteorology Dr Marwan Katurji said a forecast of damaging winds (110kph) and severe hail was put in place
before three people were reportedly killed in a tornado in west Auckland.
``It might've been gale winds from the severe thunderstorm or a microburst - strong winds converging at the surface from
above,’’ Dr Katurji said.
``Our UC forecast predicted the front and precipitation but unfortunately our high resolution forecast is only set for
Canterbury so it will be difficult to assess the details of the event for Auckland.
``The North Island, especially the west coast, is more vulnerable to westerly and northerly winds that are associated
with weather fronts. Warm moist air from the warmer Tasman Sea carries within it embedded thunderstorms. When the air
hits land it interacts with the topography to create convergence zones and the wind speeds are higher in these areas and
the storms get more severe in this case.
``The Auckland region is one of the hot spots for this activity which promotes tornados, though Taranaki region is the
record holder.
``In Canterbury we are blessed with the Southern Alps that do shield off the severe westerly storms. But occasionally we
do get the odd small waterspout off the Banks Peninsula coast.’’
ENDS