Cyclone Gabrielle is already affecting the North Island as it begins to move across the country. Here’s what to expect for the Nelson Tasman region.
Impacts are already being felt across northern parts of the North Island, and are expected to spread south across the rest of the North Island through to northern parts of the South Island on Monday and Tuesday.
Based on the position and intensity of Gabrielle, this system poses a risk of extreme, impactful, and unprecedented weather over many regions of the North Island through to Tuesday, according to Metservice.
Metservice has upgraded an earlier Strong Wind Watch to an orange warning for Nelson, Marlborough and Buller for the 24 hours from 9pm on Monday.
Southeast winds are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 120kmh in exposed places. However, damaging gusts of 130kmh or more are possible in eastern parts of the Tasman District and northern parts of Buller for a time during Tuesday morning.
Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may also be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Nelson Tasman residents are asked to get ready for strong winds this evening and into tomorrow as ex-cyclone Gabrielle travels south.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith encourages people to prepare.
“We’ve seen how damaging the cyclone has been in the North Island, and we need everyone to take steps now. The Metservice have issued an Orange warning for the Southeast winds, which are expected to gust up to 120km/h. Powerlines may be affected by falling trees or branches," he says. “While we are not expecting heavy rain, the strong winds can be damaging, so extreme care should be taken especially in our parks and recreation areas”.
Tasman Mayor Tim King reiterated the need to be ready and safe.
“Our Emergency Management team are monitoring the event, and are on standby if required.
“People should consider staying off the roads, especially high-sided vehicles and motorbikes. Large swells are also likely, and boaties are recommended to check their moorings and stay off the water until the winds die down on Wednesday morning.”
Nelson’s Harbour Master Stuart Whitehouse says these conditions can be hazardous for small craft, particularly sit-on-top kayaks and inflatable paddle boards.
He says wind will be offshore at Tāhunanui, The Glen and Cable Bay/Peppin Island area.
“Offshore winds are deceptive. What looks calm and settled on the beach, could be blowing 20knots (almost 40kmh) just offshore. A standup paddle board will struggle in any head wind above 10-12knots.”
Nelson Tasman is expected see some rain on Tuesday, although not high-levels at this time.
A Heavy Rain Warning is in place for Marlborough, south of Blenheim including the Kāikoura Coast for the 18 hours from 6am Tuesday.
