The large storm in the Southern Ocean has generated a number of questions to WeatherWatch.co.nz wanting to know who will be worst affected and what damage is to be expected.

WeatherWatch.co.nz is fairly confident that despite the aggressive storm brushing the country damage should be minimal, mainly due to the wind direction.

Trees and buildings are usually capable of withstanding strong westerlies as it’s our predominant wind.

As of 12noon Thursday these were our predictions:

Slips and Flooding:

Possible flooding (although we don’t expect severe flooding) along the West Coast, also about the Tararua Ranges and some western areas of the North Island between Waitomo, Taranaki and National Park.

Severe Gales: 

While we expect very windy conditions across much of the country the wind direction doesn’t favour much damage.  Branches, trees and poorly constructed roofs/barns may be damaged by gusts over 120km/h about Wellington and Wairarapa.   Strong winds may also affect Auckland but damage is expected to be minimal at this stage.

Snow:

All South Island alpine roads and potentially the North Island’s Desert Road may be affected or closed by snow.  Snow may also fall to very low levels across Southland – however the snow event does not look long lived with warmer westerlies arriving by Sunday.

Huge Seas:
All Southern and Western Coastlines.   

Travel:

We don’t expect Cook Strait ferry cancellations, but delays are possible with potentially slower sailing times.

Wind speeds will make for many bumpy flights across New Zealand but again airports should remain largely unaffected.

Queenstown Airport may be affected by snow from Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon.

Wellington Airport may be affected by gale force winds from Friday to Sunday – it’s unclear what affect the winds will have on flights but most major flights shouldn’t be unaffected.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says those who are concerned about flights being cancelled are best to contact the airline directly or the airport they are concerned about.