Extreme weather alert for New Zealand

UPDATE - 10 am NZT -

Metservice is talking of huge swells and damaging storm surges that will affect NZ.

Gales of 250 km/hr extend 400 km from the centre of the cyclone on either side.

This will generate massive waves in all directions that will affect other islands in the Pacific and NZ into next week.

Enjoy the good weather while you can!

Valid to 9:13am Sunday 15 Mar 2015

Severe weather alert for New Zealand

http://metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-watch

SEVERE WEATHER WATCH FOR NORTHLAND, COROMANDEL PENINSULA, HAWKES BAY ISSUED BY METSERVICE AT 0913hrs 14-Mar-2015

GALE SOUTHEASTERLIES, HEAVY RAIN AND LARGE SEAS FOR NORTHEASTERN PARTS OF THE NORTH ISLAND LATE SUNDAY AND MONDAY.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam, currently located near southern Vanuatu, is forecast to track southeastwards over the weekend and pass east of New Zealand during Monday and Tuesday. There remains some uncertainty as to how close to the North Island the eventual cyclone track will be, however, it will likely be a significant event, with strong southeast winds and rain expected over much of the North Island late Sunday and during Monday, along with extremely large seas about the east coast. A Warning has been issued for Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and northern Hawkes Bay for expected heavy rain and severe southeast gales.

This WATCH is for the possibility of severe gales in the following areas...

NORTHLAND and COROMANDEL PENINSULA, including GREAT BARRIER ISLAND: Southeast winds are expected to rise to gale Sunday evening, and may rise to severe gale for a time from Sunday night through to Monday afternoon.

NORTHERN HAWKES BAY: Southeast winds are expected to rise to gale early Monday morning,and may rise to severe gale for a time from late Monday morning through to Monday evening.

This WATCH is also for heavy rain in the following areas...

EASTERN NORTHLAND and COROMANDEL PENINSULA, including GREAT BARRIER ISLAND: A period of heavy rain is expected from Sunday evening through to late Monday morning. Rainfall accumulations may exceed warning criteria during this time (greater than 75mm in 15 hours).

This WATCH is also an alert for dangerous coastal conditions...

People should be aware that unusually heavy swells and very large waves are expected to affect the east coast of the North Island, starting near Cape Reinga Sunday evening, then spreading southwards to reach Wairarapa late Monday. 

Waves of this size have significant potential to cause coastal erosion and damage, especially when combined with gales and storm surge. Anyone considering venturing near the water should take extra precautions and be sure to check the latest coastal marine forecast for expected adverse conditions.

This is a developing situation and people are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in the event further areas are added, or part of this Watch is upgraded to a Warning.

This Watch will be reviewed by 9pm Saturday 14 March 2015