Severe winds battering Foveaux Strait and Southern Coasts

MetService meteorologists have issued a marine storm warning for Foveaux Strait and a Severe Weather Watch on wind for Coastal Southland and South Otago.

"After the weekend's cold outbreak, a very deep depression with central pressure below 950 hectoPascals has developed in the Southern Ocean to the south of New Zealand", commented MetService weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "Its cold front is crossing our southern coasts today bringing westerly winds that are reaching storm force around Foveaux Start."

Mr. McDavitt added that there is potential for these winds to reach 110 km/hr about exposed parts of the Southland and east Otago coasts. "If they do, then that's enough to break branches and make driving difficult."

"The front is a fast-moving one so winds should start easing tonight, but a southwest gale is likely to linger during Tuesday about the coast and on exposed inland hilltops of South Otago and Dunedin. As we approach ANZAC DAY the forecast is for an anticyclone to bring a period of fine weather and light winds to New Zealand."