MetService News Release
22/08/19
THUNDERSTORMS AND GUSTY WINDS BATTER THE NORTH
MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for northern areas of the North Island tonight into Friday morning.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris warns: “There could be very strong localised wind gusts over 110 km/h from the
northwest and we are advising residents in affected areas to tie down objects that could be caught by the wind
overnight. There is also a possibility of tornadoes developing with the severe thunderstorm cells.”
A complex low-pressure system is rolling over the country today (Thursday) and tomorrow which brings heavy rain, squally
thunderstorms, strong winds and possible tornadoes to northern areas of the North Island and subsequent Severe Weather
Watches have been issued. The South Island is not spared from thunderstorm activity with the West Coast being at risk
until Friday evening.
On Friday the flow turns southwesterly over the country, which eases the heavy rain around the North Island in the
evening and we see a general clearing trend which sets most places up for an enjoyable weekend.
The southwesterlies are persistent through the weekend and could be strong at times but generally most places will be in
for a relatively dry couple of days. However, a few pesky showers will linger around western areas of the North Island,
while showers turn to rain for Westland and Buller through the weekend.