2013年6月23日星期日

Violent storms gone, but warnings remain


Storm damage is disrupting public transport in Wellington and posing a danger to South Island motorists warned to take care on slippery, pot-holed roads.

The violent winter storm that has buffeted New Zealand for several days has finally cleared, but authorities warn the effects of the polar blast could still be felt for several days.

In Wellington, 600 homes are still without power and buses have replaced trains between Wellington and Petone after a washout on the line.

The capital bore the brunt of Thursday night's storm, with power cut to about 30,000 homes and businesses and more than 500 concerned calls lodged with Wellington City Council.

Further south, motorists in Canterbury have been warned to take extreme care with black ice throughout the region making roads extremely slippery. Other councils say snow, slips and pot holes will remain a risk for drivers for several days.

More than a dozen main roads are affected by snow fall across the island, with authorities recommending chains and extra care.

In Central Otago, Federated Farmers have called for volunteers to help stricken farmers reach stock trapped by heavy snow.

Meanwhile, the clean-up has started in Sawyers Bay, Dunedin, where a large slip threatened 11 homes following torrential downpours on Thursday and Friday. Residents were evacuated in the early hours of Saturday but were allowed to return home later that day once the threat had abated.

Forecasters say the storm leaves behind a cool south westerly flow that will likely bring more showers to Auckland, coastal Waikato, Taranaki and Whanganui over coming days.

But areas worst hit by the storm - Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin - will see the most sun, with just a chance of a shower on Monday in Dunedin and Friday in Wellington, according to WeatherWatch.co.nz.

However, it warns "everything at the moment is messy and a bit chaotic weatherwise," with more rain possible nationwide by next weekend.