The MetService reports a deep storm in the Southern Ocean has generated long period waves that will begin to arrive in New Zealand waters during Monday, causing a very rapid increase in wave height at all the west coast beaches. Marine users are urged to be cautious about decisions made during Monday.
Swell waves are expected to double in height over the course of the day, and there will be the sudden arrival of groups of larger waves (which surfers call ‘sets’), which can catch beach users by surprise.
We will issue an update tomorrow with the expected arrival times along the coast. However, if you are planning a west coast beach mission on New Year’s Day, make sure it is to a patrolled beach. Note that rock fishing and bar crossing by boat may be hazardous on Monday and Tuesday.
