Wellington braces itself

Bracing ourselves once again. The last storm with 200 kph winds was a fortnight ago

Makara, which is mentioned is where we keep our horses

Strong winds cancel ferry crossings

Strong winds will buffet Wellington today, with 130kmh winds expected, MetService says.

Dominion Post,

14 July, 2013

Duty forecaster Liz Walsh said a southerly front was sitting in the Cook Strait, and could cause some damage.

The front is not as deep or as strong as last month’s storm but the winds could lift roofs or unsecured property, she said.

‘‘It probably won’t have the same extent and longevity as the storm but could be damaging,’’ she said. ‘‘It is a significant weather event.’’

Two sailings of the Interislander ferry Kaitaki, at 8.15am from Wellington and 1.05pm from Picton have been cancelled.

Major highways are open but a dusting of snow could hit the Rimutaka Hill Rd tonight, Ms Walsh said. ‘‘We are expecting snow showers to develop from 9pm on Sunday to Monday morning.’’

Offshore winds had reached 60 knots, or 120-130kmh this morning, she said.

A land slip has also blocked the Makara Rd, west of Wellington, with cars heading for Makara Village advised to go via Johnsonville and the Ohariu Valley.