A Red Strong Wind Warning is now in place for Marlborough from Cape Campbell southwards (including the Kaikōura Coast) from 6am to 4pm Thursday. The rest of Marlborough is under a Strong Wind Warning – Orange for the same period.
Metservice have updated the forecast to severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of now up to 140 km/h in exposed places.
The impact of a Strong Wind Warning – Red can cause threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds can cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.
Marlborough Emergency Management Regional Controller Richard McNamara said this was a serious event.
“The wind forecast which has led to this Red Warning is a lot stronger than what we would normally see so people should be taking this seriously.
“The Strong Wind Warning – Orange remains in place for the rest of Marlborough, and this also needs to be taken seriously. We are talking about gusts up to 130 km/hr for an Orange Warning which is right at the threshold for upgrading to Red for Marlborough as well. This is still a damaging wind.”
“The advice from Marlborough Emergency Management remains the same – be wary and delay any travel plans involving Marlborough on Thursday. This is expected to be a relatively short-lived event – so as long as you are prepared to delay, enjoying yourself this holiday weekend is still possible but stay off the roads in and around Marlborough and Kaikōura tomorrow.”
Ferry services could be disrupted and people need to take care if out and about on local tracks, Mr McNamara said.
“The biggest risk in terms of vehicles is trucks, caravans, horse floats, cars towing trailers and any other high-sided vehicle or motorcycle. Please – we ask everyone to avoid any unnecessary travel,” Mr McNamara said.
Rural property owners and farmers are reminded to “check, check and check again” any burnoffs they have had in the past two months as these have the potential to reignite in the strong winds. “It’s a good idea to check these once again once the wind picks up as well,” he said.
For preparedness advice, please go to Getready website
For weather updates go to Metservice website
Further updates will be provided via Council’s website, Antenno and Facebook page.
