Cyclone Dovi to Bring Strong Winds, Waves and Heavy Rains to New Zealand
The New Zealand Meteorological Service was prompted to raise warnings as Cyclone Dovi is expected to affect the north and central parts of the country this weekend. Latest Joint Typhoon Warning Center advisory issued at 4AM Saturday (NZ time) estimated that the storm currently has 1-minute winds of 130 kph and gusts of 155 kph; the cyclone’s estimated central pressure was 966 mbar. The storm is currently located 385 km northwest of Auckland, and 650 km north-northwest of Wellington, and is moving south-southeast at speed of 40 kph.
The Met Service forecast Cyclone Dovi to approach New Zealand from the northwest, and will likely cross central New Zealand on Sunday or Monday, followed by a southerly flow and a ridge of high pressure. Moisture associated to the storm have the potential to bring severe weather to much of the North Island and northern South Island, and Severe Weather Warnings and Watches are in force for many regions this weekend.
The Met Service have also warned about dangerous waves, cross and rip currents near the coasts of North Island and northern South Island.
