MEDIA RELEASE
15 May 2011

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.

The Waikato Regional Council
The council’s area extends from the Bombay Hills in the north to Mt Ruapehu in the south, and from the mouth of the Waikato River to Mokau on the west coast, across to the Coromandel Peninsula on the east.

The region contains nationally important electricity generation facilities and an internationally significant dairy sector. It is also home to iconic natural features which are key tourist attractions.

The council’s responsibilities include:
• sustainable management of natural and physical resources, including pest control.
• planning regional growth and transport, and providing bus services.
• civil defence, emergency response, navigation safety, dam safety, flood management, erosion control and road safety.

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