Kiwifruit Growers Prepare for El Niño, Stay Optimistic
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
MetService predicts the regions most likely to be impacted by heavy rain are Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne, and Hawke’s Bay, with much of the North Island set to experience periods of gale or severe gale force winds.
“Several severe weather warnings and watches have been issued, and more areas will be added as the system moves closer and its track and intensity become more certain,” MetService meteorologist Peter Little says.
NZTA acting national maintenance and operations, Jaclyn Hankin says heavy rain may cause surface flooding, trigger slips and cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, requiring NZTA to close some state highways.
“Our contractors will be working hard, doing what they can to keep the state highway network safe and open,” Hankin says.
She says people need to drive to the conditions, check weather forecasts, and check their intended route for hazards and disruptions before setting out.
“Stay alert for unreported hazards, such as surface flooding, slips, fallen trees and branches, and downed power lines,” Hankin says.
“If you must travel, slow down and maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front,” she adds.
“We want to see everybody get home safely,” she says.
