Powerful waves for the west coast of New Zealand

Powerful waves for the west coast of New Zealand.- 3rd May 2016

03, May, 2016

Powerful waves for the west coast of New Zealand.

Storm force winds south of Australia in the last week have generated exceptionally powerful waves which are heading to New Zealand. These large long period waves will arrive on the southwest of the South Island Wednesday evening and then will sweep up the to the west coast of the North Island on Thursday.

The swell will not be exceptionally high (4 metres), but the swell period will be unusually long at 20 to 22 seconds, producing very large breaking waves inshore. MetService Meteorologist Lisa Murray advises, “Sweeping onshore waves could be a danger to swimmers all along the west coast due to strong inshore currents, undertows and rips associated with this long period swell”.

The energy in these waves is indicated by the wave period, which in this case reaches in excess of 20 seconds, something we only experience once a year or less often. This could put boat moorings under a lot of stress or make harbour bars hazardous.

“Waves may look impressive but can be dangerous especially for those fishing on-shore or walking along coastal pathways”, explained Ms. Murray, “This is due to some waves being more powerful than normal and we advise the public to take care.”

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