18 Jan 2011

Downpours, gales forecast in wake of tropical storms

10:01 am on 18 January 2011

Two weather systems were set to bring severe weather to parts of the country on Tuesday.

MetService is forecasting heavy downpours, gale force winds and humid conditions for much of northern and central New Zealand.

A low pressure system - formerly Tropical Cyclone Vania - was expected to bring rain to the top of the South Island and to the southern of the North Island.

The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Zelia would pass over the southern North Island would bring about six hours of gales to the central North Island on Tuesday night.

Bob McDavitt of the MetService says it is time to clean out gutters and move trampolines and barbecues from the garden.