MetService News Release

Cyclone Gabrielle still impacting some areas, easing by the end of today

14 Feb 2023

Covering period of Tuesday 14 - Friday 17 February

While some MetService Red Rain Warnings are lifting there are still several Warnings and Watches in place as severe weather from Cyclone Gabrielle continues throughout the day (Tuesday).  

Overnight and this morning, significant rain and wind affected large parts of the North Island, especially in the north and east with Tairāwhiti/Gisborne cut off.

“Napier Airport had its second wettest day on record with 175mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am this morning, “said MetService meteorologist Andrew James, “That’s more than three times the February average.”

“Wind gusts over 140km/hr have been recorded at many exposed coastal locations, but urban areas have been affected too with New Plymouth airport gusts reaching 128km/hr, “continues Andrew, “With wave heights close to 11 metres recorded off the coast of the Bay of Islands.”

All this wild weather has led to significant and widespread impacts across the North Island, with large areas without power or communications, major flooding and wind damage in many regions. Over 30 state highway closures and the shutdown of air, sea, and rail transport for much of the northern half of the North Island. Several communities and regions are isolated, and a National State of Emergency is now in force.

Today, rain begins to ease in the upper North Island, but continues in Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and northern Hawkes Bay until tonight, with rain also affecting the lower North Island and parts of Marlborough.

Andrew continues, “A continuing focus will be wind. We are still expecting gusts in excess of 120km/hr over parts of the upper North Island, Taranaki and central New Zealand, and warnings are still in place.”

Chatham Islands, lying 850km offshore from Christchurch, is expecting heavy rain and strong winds from this afternoon, with the system passing just to the north of them on Wednesday. This will be tied with large easterly waves, an unusual direction for the Islands.

Though Gabrielle takes a southeast track moving away from Aotearoa New Zealand from early tomorrow, the impacts from this event will be felt for much longer.

Looking farther ahead for the North Island recovery, Wednesday sees rain continue into the capital and a few showers around for central and northern North Island, though a dry break across Waikato and Bay of Plenty. Following that, there is some more wet weather from Thursday but apart from Wellington and Wairarapa most areas will see showers.

For the South Island, wet weather continues for Canterbury and Marlborough during Wednesday, dry elsewhere but a few showers in the far south. This continues on Thursday with an easing tread through the day.

Good news from James, “There is some light at the end of the tunnel – MetService is forecasting a ridge over the North Island bringing a spell of settled weather from this weekend onwards. There are still a couple of bands of wet weather to cross before then, so stay up to date with your MetService forecast.

MetService

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

Tasman Search and Rescue Exercise valuable experience for participants — No trace of tramper missing for nine years

 

German tramper Christian Ulf Eric Prehn missing since February 2014 - Police file photo

No trace of nine year missing tramper in ‘Operation Prehn’ 

Tasman Policeman Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood has just completed leading a Search and Rescue Exercise ‘Operation Prehn’ in the St Arnaud area which went from 10 February to 13 February. The Police were accompanied by a team of search and rescue volunteers mainly from Tasman and Nelson. 

As part of the exercise they were searching in the remote area of the Nelson Lakes National Park, particularly the Travers Saddle alpine region, for the German tramper Christian Prehn, who went missing in February 2014, nine years ago.

Each district runs a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) each year and during the planning, Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood said they look for a challenging environment where teams could fine tune their skills, but also an area where there was a cold case so they could search for a missing person. In this case they focused everything at trying to find the remains of German tourist Christian Prehn. 

Christian Ulf Eric Prehn was last seen near Mt Travers in the national park in February 2014.  A 19-year-old from Germany, Prehn was in New Zealand on a one-year holiday and had been tramping the Travers-Sabine Circuit alone.

Mt Travers Nelson Lakes National Park

He was last seen by two trampers on 25 February 2014, after spending the night at Upper Travers Hut. The three met on the track below Mt Travers and discussed climbing it, commenting that it would be easiest to leave your pack at the bottom and return to it after summiting the maintain.

These two trampers were the last people to see Prehn alive. 

His backpack was seen by a further two trampers on the Travers Saddle who didn’t report it to authorities and the backpack was found again several days later by a Department of Conservation worker who alerted authorities. 

Location of Mt Travers and the Upper Travers Hut

Several extensive searches were conducted in the hazardous environment, but the Search and Rescue Operation found no sign of the 19-year-old.

During the recent search exercise an incident management team, including some volunteers, was based at St Arnaud, with field teams flown into the search area by an Air Force NH90 helicopter.

The exercise involved 60 personnel, members of LandSAR (Land Search and rescue NZ), CanyonSAR

(Canyon Search and Rescue Volunteers), and the Alpine Cliff Rescue team were involved in the exercise along with members of the Police with assistance from the New Zealand Air Force and Fire and Emergency NZ.

New techniques were also utilised during the exercise - a drone team was part of the search, a CanyonSAR team explored several creeks in the area, and the Starlink satellite internet system that kept the incident management team able to view footage live from the field, almost in real time.

Police had spoken to Christian’s family in Germany about the Search and Rescue Exercise and they were “blown away" at the resources that went into the recent Search and Rescue Exercise ‘Operation Prehn,’ but sadly no trace was found of their son.

Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood said  “The Police-led Search and Research Exercise ‘Operation Prehn’ in Nelson Lakes National Park has concluded. No items of significance were discovered relating to the disappearance of Christian Prehn in 2014. The exercise was a valuable opportunity for Police, LANDSAR, FENZ and NZDEF to work together to further develop search and rescue capability in the Tasman District.”

Mt Travers at 2338 metres is the second highest peak in the Nelson Lakes National Park, the mountain terrain has been described as treacherously steep, consisting of rock which readily fractures.The teams scoured areas that had not been searched before, and went over previous areas of interest.

The teams were trying extremely hard to find the slightest clue of Christian Prehn and were ready to change tactics as they searched if they found something of interest in the rugged area. 

The Department of Conservation records show that 50 people remain missing in the park, all have been solo trampers. The Department website has plenty of helpful information about tramping in the area, but it doesn’t outline how dangerous the area can be if trampers don’t stay on the tracks.

Police Media Centre

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

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METSERVICE — WEATHER PRESS RELEASE — WEATHER TODAY AND TOMORROW

 The worst of Cyclone Gabrielle to affect the country today

13 FEB 2023

Cyclone Gabrielle is bearing down on the North Island, and despite widespread damage and disruption last night and this morning, the worst weather is still to come for many regions today. 

MetService forecasters, in collaboration with local councils and Civil Defence, continue to update the Severe Weather Warnings pertaining to ongoing heavy rain and severe gale strength wind.  

“This is a major weather system and shouldn’t be taken lightly," explains meteorologist Angus Hines.  

“We have a couple more days of wild weather ahead. We’ve never had such an extensive range of Red Severe Weather Warnings – which are the highest classification of Severe Weather Warning MetService can issue.” 
 
Cyclone Gabrielle has been generating extremely strong wind about the upper North Island. Wind gusts have exceeded 130km/hr in parts of Auckland, and 150km/hr in exposed parts of Northland. Trees and powerlines have been damaged, as has people’s property, including rooves and outdoor furniture.  

As Gabrielle moves southeast in the next 36 hours, the angle of the wind across the upper North Island will change as they wrap around the moving centre, but the wind speed stays very high.  

Red Wind Warnings remain in force for Northland, Auckland, and the Coromandel Peninsula, and Taranaki’s Wind Warning has been upgraded to Red this morning. Orange Wind Warnings blanket all remaining North Island locations as well as the top half of the South Island, meaning wind damage is possible almost anywhere. There is expected to be a gradual easing to the wind late on Tuesday, and throughout Wednesday.  

Once again, northern parts of the North Island will be drenched by persistent heavy rain. Red Rain Warnings are active for intense rainfall over Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, and the north of the Tairāwhiti/Gisborne area.  

“All of these places have already dealt with immense rainfall this year, and lots of them are in clean up mode from recent flooding,” says Angus.  

“Unfortunately, we expect further flooding, slips power outages, and road closures Monday and Tuesday, prolonging this unprecedented wet summer.”  

Eastwards facing parts of the country – Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough and Kaikōura are all expected to get heavy rain as well and have Orange Rain Warnings in place with Gisborne on a Red Warning.  

While Gabrielle has been affecting the atmosphere, it is also having a major impact on our oceans. Enormous waves are battering eastern coastlines of the North Island, which may wash onto coastal roads and property, particularly about high tide (early this afternoon for those areas). Conditions can get dangerous quickly, and people are advised to steer clear of beaches.

Warnings in

Upper South Island:::-

2 Warnings in force for this location:

1/. Heavy Rain Warning - Orange


Period: 18hrs from 6am Tue, 14 Feb - midnight Tue, 14 Feb

Area: Eastern Marlborough south of Blenheim, including the Kaikoura Coast 

Forecast: Expect 100 to 160 mm of rain or more to accumulate. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h.

Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Issued: 9:05pm Mon 13 Feb
Next update: 11:00am Tue 14 Feb

2/. Strong Wind Warning - Orange


Period: 15hrs from 6am - 9pm Tue, 14 Feb

Area: Marlborough, Tasman including Nelson, and Buller

Forecast: South to southeast winds are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 120 km/h in exposed places.

Impact: Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Issued: 9:05pm Mon 13 Feb
Next update: 11:00am Tue 14 Feb

Rain warnings on the left - Wind warnings on right

WARNINGS  Left Strong Wind Warning - Orange - Far Right Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Cyclone Gabrielle

Cyclone Gabrielle is approaching the upper North Island. 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 VERY HIGH risk of extreme, impactful, and unprecedented weather over many regions of the North Island through to Tuesday.

It is important to keep up to date with the latest MetService forecasts in case any changes are made, or further areas are added. Please follow the advice of local authorities.

TASMAN REGIONAL FORECAST

ONE WARNING FOR TASMAN:-

Strong Wind Warning - Orange


Period: 15hrs from 6am - 9pm Tue, 14 Feb

Area: Marlborough, Tasman including Nelson, and Buller

Forecast: South to southeast winds are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 120 km/h in exposed places.

Impact: Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Issued: 9:05pm Mon 13 Feb
Next update: 11:00am Tue 14 Feb

FORECAST FOR TODAY 14 Feb

Occasional rain easing in the evening but remaining cloudy. Strong southerlies, severe gale gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, easing this evening.

Issued 9:20pm Mon 13 Feb

THAKE CARE OUT THERE

Metservice

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

Tasman District Council —Cyclone Gabrielle - strong wind warning and closures

 

 

Strong Wind Warning and Closures

Tasman District Council

13 Feb 2023, 15:50

MetService has issued an Orange Strong Wind Warning for the region for 24 hours from 9pm tonight (Monday 13 February).

Strong wind gusts are forecast to hit the Tasman and Nelson area late tonight. South-easterly winds are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts of up to 120 km/h in exposed places.

These winds have the potential to damage trees, powerlines and unsecured objects and structures.

Debris on roads and wind gusts could make driving hazardous especially for motorcyclists and high sided vehicles.

Please secure anything outside that could blow away, like trampolines, outdoor furniture, bins, etc. It's also a good idea to stay away from parks and reserves and avoid areas with large trees

The risk of extreme weather conditions means numerous forestry companies have closed their forests to public access due to the danger of falling trees.

Moturoa/Rabbit Island and Rough Island will be closed from 8.30pm tonight (Monday 13 February) and will reopen again on Wednesday morning.

Kingsland forest and recreational tracks will be closed from 9.00pm tonight for 24 hours. In all other Tasman District parks and reserves people are advised to avoid areas with large trees.

If the forecast high winds do hit our region, please don’t put your rubbish out for collection if you don’t need to.

The contents of wheelie bins and recycling crates have the potential to become missiles and scatter around streets if bins are blown over while at the kerbside. If you can, please hold on to your rubbish and recycling until the next collection day.

On the water, large swells are also a possibility with coastal areas exposed to the winds from the south east will be the most vulnerable. Boaties are recommended to check their moorings then stay off the water until the winds die down on Wednesday morning.

People are also being asked to consider working from home to avoid congestion and potential problems on our roads. 

Be prepared and stay safe.

TDC

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

MEDIA RELEASE - Nelson Tasman Emergency Management

Nelson Tasman - Get ready for wind as ex-Cyclone Gabrielle moves south

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 encouraged 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.
“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.”

Are you ready?

• Keep up to date with MetService weather forecasts.
• Be prepared for possible power outages and check emergency supplies. Make sure you have some cash at home or food and water to last three days, and a battery-powered radio to stay informed.
• Identify a safe place during the storm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors. These could break in strong winds and cause damage or injury.
• Work out what supplies you might need and make a plan. Have materials and tools ready to repair windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
• Bring inside or tie down anything that strong winds could break or pick up. If you have a trampoline, turn it upside down to minimise the surface area exposed to wind.
• Bring pets indoors. They can get unsettled by storms and it is more comforting and safer for them to be with you.
• Farmers and lifestyle block owners need to consider how and where you will relocate stock to protect from winds.
• Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.
• Put safety first. Don’t take any chances.
• In an emergency, call 111.

Go to https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/storms/ for more tips on how to prepare.

During the storm
Stay inside. Don't walk around outside. Don't drive unless you really need to. Close exterior and interior doors and windows. Pull curtains and blinds over windows. This could prevent injury from flying glass if the window breaks.

Stay informed during an emergency. Listen to the radio and follow Nelson Tasman Civil Defence, Tasman District Council or Nelson City Council Facebook pages. Download the Antenno app from Google Play or the App Store to receive updates on your phone.

More information:
www.metservice.com/
www.facebook.com/nelsontasmancivildefenceandemergencymanagement
www.facebook.com/nelsoncitycouncil/
www.facebook.com/TasmanDistrictCouncil
getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/storms/

Nelson Tasman Emergency Management

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

MetService News Release:- TOP OF THE SOUTH WEATHER WARNINGS

Impacts already felt from Cyclone Gabriell

12 Feb 2023 Forecast Winds at 7pm

12/02/2023

Covering period of Sunday 12 - Tuesday 14 February

The impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle are being felt as the extreme weather system bears down on Aotearoa New Zealand.  

 

Gale force winds have been recorded at many sites already: Kaitaia 90km/hr gust, Purerua 95km/h gust, Kerikeri 80km/h gust and Cape Reinga a slightly more exposed site recorded 140km/h wind gust. These have already cause power outages across Northland and on Waiheke Island, and Whangaparaoa 120km/hr and winds closed the Auckland Bridge as of 3pm today. Waves of nearly 11 metres have been recorded at the Bay of Islands at 4pm today. 

 

The whole of the North Island is on a Severe Weather Warning for Strong Wind - with Northland, Coromandel, Auckland including Great Barrier Island on the highest wind alert – MetService Red Warning. 

TASMAN / NELSON WEATHER WARNINGS IN MORE DETAIL BELOW - AND WEATHER MAP UPDATE FOR THE TOP OF SOUTH

Lisa Murray Head of Weather Communications explains, “I can’t remember a time when the whole of the North Island was on a wind warning. This is a huge sprawling weather system affecting the country.” 

 

“The worst affected areas can expect 350-450mm of rain, 120-140km/hr wind gusts, and dangerous waves and coastal inundation, especially at high tide.” 

 

MetService Red Warnings for Heavy Rain are in place for Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay, and Coromandel. These warnings cover from today (Sunday) through to Tuesday (apart from Northland which will ease on Tuesday) with the weather already affecting areas in the north.  

 

Orange Warnings for Heavy Rain are in place for Bay of Plenty, the rest of the east coast of the North Island, parts of the Marlborough including Kaikoura. 

“Extreme rain and wind are expected for many North Island regions, accompanied by phenomenal seas along northern and eastern shores, and significant storm surge near, and slightly in advance of, the cyclones centre,” Lisa sums up the event. 

 

“The wind of this strength combined with rain means rain could be almost horizontal making it very difficult to walk in and rain could get under the eaves of houses adding to the flooding risk.  

“This is a really extreme and impactful event. People could lose power or become isolated.  Listen to local authorities and your local Civil Defence and know where your local evacuation centre is,” adds Lisa.  

 

“While the system has been “downgraded” from a tropical cyclone, this does not mean it has weakened in terms of impacts to New Zealand. In fact, it is intensifying and spreading the strong wind and heavy rain across a wider area affecting the whole of the North Island in some way. At this point MetService will refer to weather system as Cyclone Gabrielle,” adds Lisa.   

This is an unfolding situation and forecasts will be updated - so it is important to stay in the know. Details can also be found at MetService.com (http://bit.ly/AllWarnings).  

Weather Warnings Top of the South:

 TOP OF THE SOUTH  WEATHER WARNINGS DETAILED BELOW - TOP OF SOUTH WEATHER MAP UPDATE

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Period: 18hrs from 6am Tue, 14 Feb - midnight Tue, 14 Feb

Area: Eastern Marlborough south of Blenheim, including Kaikoura Coast 

Forecast: Expect 100 to 160 mm of rain or more to accumulate. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h.

Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Issued: 9:14pm Sun 12 Feb
Next update: 11:00am Mon 13 Feb

Strong Wind Warning - Orange


Period: 24hrs from 9pm Mon, 13 Feb - 9pm Tue, 14 Feb

Area: Marlborough, Nelson/Tasman and Buller

Forecast: Southeast winds are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 120 km/h in exposed places. However, damaging gusts of 130 km/h or more are possible about eastern parts of the Tasman District and northern parts of Buller for a time during Tuesday morning.

Impact: Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Issued: 9:32pm Sun 12 Feb
Next update: 11:00am Mon 13 Feb

 

1 Watch in force for this location:

Strong Wind Watch


Period: 24hrs from midnight Mon, 13 Feb - midnight Tue, 14 Feb

Area: Westland north of Fox Glacier

Forecast: Southeast winds may approach or possibly exceed severe gale in exposed places, especially inland.
Issued: 9:14pm Sun 12 Feb
Next update: 11:00am Mon 13 Feb

MetService

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

"Peaceful Towns" Art Competition a winner for the participants and Mayor Tim who selected them - 2022.

International Mayors for Peace children's art competition

Artwork by Aria Robertson

Artwork by Lucy Gauntlett

Two young Tasman artists have taken out top placings in the international Mayors for Peace children's art competition "Peaceful Towns" 2022.

More than 4,300 artworks were whittled down to 239 finalists, and Tasman’s Lucy Gauntlett and Aria Robertson won second and third place respectively in the six to 10-year-old category. 

The competition, run by the office of the Mayor of Hiroshima in Japan, began in 1982 and this year attracted entries from 66 cities across 14 countries.

Lucy Gauntlett from Ranzau School drew inspiration while reading under a tree in a park where she saw two friends walking a dog and could hear peaceful music.

Lucy says there was also a peaceful fishpond, and she could see someone practicing yoga. “It was a peaceful park setting and I felt happy in the fresh air.”

Aria Robertson from Brightwater’s artwork shares a vision for more acceptance, love and peace for all people in all communities around the world.

Lucy and Aria’s pictures were selected by Mayor Tim King and were included in the nine top entries from a record 77 works submitted by students from across Tasman District, that were sent to Japan for the competition.

Tasman District Council

Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.