Severe tropical cyclone continues to move towards New Zealand but the storm is still predicted to pass well to the east of the North Island.

As of this evening the storm is still packing winds of 175km/h with gusts to 215km/h and remains a category 4 cyclone.

The central air pressure is 946hPa.

Atu is picking up momentum as it heads south south east, now travelling at 28km/h.  36 hours ago it was travelling less than 4km/h.

The severe cyclone is likely to be more intense than Wilma was when it reaches Northland’s latitude however with the system well to the east it is still only expected to bring some cloud and perhaps brisk south easterlies to East Cape.  There’s a low risk of showers too for East Cape.

Atu’s main feature still appears to be dangerous surf and rips, which could present them selves to east coast beaches from Northland to Hawkes Bay despite settled or sunny weather that may be over land.

		Warning: Gales or stronger within 24 hours				Very Destructive Hurricane Force Winds
		Alert: Gales or stronger within 24-48 hours				Destructive Storm Force Winds
						Damaging Gale Force Winds

Above – Maps courtesy of Fiji Meteorologial Service

Below – Map courtest of Joint Typhoon Warning Centre