Tropical cyclone may reach NZ next week

Rough surf conditions at Waipu Cove brought by a tropical cyclone in 2008. Photo / Northern Advocate

A reported tropical cyclone forming near Fiji is on track to bring strong winds and heavy rain to New Zealand next week, forecasters predict.

The US-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center has issued a warning for an as-yet unnamed tropical cyclone sitting south east of the Fiji capital Suva
Fiji Meteorological Service has forecast the system to move south-west towards New Zealand.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head analyst Philip Duncan said the storm, which is currently blowing wind gusts of up to 80km/hr, could intensify before hitting New Zealand on Monday and Tuesday.

It is predicted to bring strong winds and heavy rain to Gisborne and the East Cape, he said.

"Our latest models show it getting bigger than we thought and going closer to New Zealand. It could bring some severe weather."

He warned of strong rips and dangerous surf on east coast beaches in the lower North Island.

The path of the newly formed cyclone would likely be similar to that of ex-tropical cyclone Atu, which passed east of New Zealand in late February, said Mr Duncan.

That week, 11 students were rescued from a rip south of Napier.

"Traditionally in New Zealand the news headlines tend to be around cyclones hitting us - but in reality the offshore ones can pose the same risk to life due to dangerous rips and waves.

"These storms don't need to affect our weather to make our beaches deadly."

MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said the Fiji Meteorological Service could name the storm later today.

It was likely to bring big waves to the final rounds of the Gisborne Cold Water Classic surfing competition, which is set to close on March 29, he said.