Surf Life Saving NZ is warning beachgoers to take care as large swells create difficult conditions on the North Island’s east coast over the coming days.
Swells peaking at up to 3m are anticipated from Northland all the way down to the East Cape, with rain, wind and surging swells expected throughout the weekend. These swells are then expected to wrap around the the East Cape and northern Gisborne beaches through Monday into Tuesday.
A meterologist predicts swells in some of these parts could reach 4m by Monday.
SLSNZ chief operations officer Chris Emmett said that beachgoers should exercise caution as conditions change and become more dangerous.
“We are now seeing forecasting for particularly challenging conditions on the east coast of the North Island, and we are urging caution.
"Large waves mean strong currents and unpredictable conditions.”
He said that many beaches across the east coast are already experiencing building surf, with strong winds to follow later in the weekend.
“Our suggestion is that people exercise common sense and be aware of the risks as the swell is expected to continue building throughout the weekend.”
Surf lifeguards on patrol this weekend will be on high alert, and taking extra precautions based on the conditions.
"The majority of lifeguards on this weekend will be volunteers, and each patrol location can apply additional resourcing for the challenging conditions predicted, including calling on the support of additional lifeguards."
Surfers are urged to not overestimate their abilities and underestimate the environment, said Emmett.
“There will be a lot of water moving that can easily knock you off your feet, so keep an eye on children, making sure to stay well away from the water.”
Storm-spectators and rock-fishers are also asked to take extra care, as large swells can be unpredictable and easily knock people into dangerous waters.
All SLSNZ clubs will be closely monitoring weather conditions throughout the week.
Tairāwhiti/Gisborne to cop the worst
MetService meteorologist Thapi Makgabutlane said swells could even increase to 4m in some places.
She said a low pressure system drifting down from the north will bring windy conditions along the North Island eastern coast from Sunday into Monday.
"Those winds will generate waves on the water, which will combine with the swell that the low pressure system brings along with it.
"At this stage, the largest waves are expected on Monday, with the Tairāwhiti/Gisborne coastline looking to cop the worst of them. As things stand, combined waves — from both wind and swell — of around 4m are expected.
Makgabutlane added it was still a few days out and there was time for the position of that low pressure system to shift slightly.
"It’s always a good idea for anyone planning to be in that area over the weekend and to next week to check in the with the latest forecasts closer to the time."
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