Major storm heads for New Zealand by Jay Wynne
Much of New Zealand is battening down the hatches in preparation for a massive storm, which is expected to hit the country over the next few days.
The culprit is a deep area of low pressure which is developing out in the Tasman Sea. The first areas to be hit will be western and northern parts of both the Islands. The New Zealand MetService issued severe weather warnings for the Westland and Paparoa Range area today with 90 to 120mm (4 to 5 inches) of rain expected.
Forecasters predict the fronts will move quickly eastwards across the country through today preceded by strong northerly winds. Bands of heavy showers and thunderstorms will follow through into Wednesday. With high rainfall totals likely in some locations, swollen rivers and flooding could cause problems.
Very cold damaging southerly gales are expected to blast across much of the country as the low pressure system slips southeast. Rain is likely to turn to snow across the hills and mountains and also down to lower levels – bringing dangerous conditions for many.
Rather like the United Kingdom, intense storms with strong winds are not uncommon in New Zealand during the winter months, and can often bring high rainfall totals, flooding and damage to property.
