Extreme caution urged over west coast swells

People are being urged to exercise extreme caution on the west coast of the Waikato region due to a heavy swells warning.

As part of a severe weather watch advisory warning of potential for heavy winds, rain and thunder, it is predicted there could be four metre swells on the region’s west coast today, five metre swells tomorrow, and up to six metre swells on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Swells and high winds can mean strong currents and sea surges, while the predicted swells are due to coincide with a full moon and king tides, increasing the potential for inundation of coastal areas.

“People should exercise extreme caution in, on or near the water,” said Waikato Region Council duty emergency management officer Sarah Basheer.

“We recommend that people avoid taking risks as the conditions mean situations could turn nasty very quickly.”

Council hazard management staff will continue to monitor the weather conditions and update their advice as required.