Severe nor’ west winds are likely over parts of the country today and all 6 main centres appear to be in the firing line to a degree.

We’ve put together peak wind gust predictions for the cities and winds are predicted to rise further at higher altitudes exposed to the north west.

Auckland 70-90kph

Hamilton 70-90kph

Tauranga 90-110kph

Wellington 110-140kph

Christchurch 90-120kph

Dunedin 80-100kph

Seas surrounding New Zealand are expected to become severe to treacherous with swells increasing rapidly in the storm force winds particularly around the centre of the country and in the southwest of the South Island.