The container ship should have the remainder of its oil pumped out soon. Weather forecast does not look good hope they can move significant oil before the weather breaks
Cold Weather Gone
Well it looks like the Polar Blast has gone it was clear skies and warmer weather today. It was almost like another world still not hot but not the bitter intense cold we had experienced. There was every indication that it will be like that for a while and perhaps improving in the days to come.
Cold Snap
Snow ice and cold conditions are forcast as a cold front moves in from the south. Snow is already falling in the south and is expected to move up the country over the next 24 hours. It is cold in the north with skittery showers.
Insurance claim rise to 50 million dollars
Insurance claims have continued to rise to more than $50,000,000 after this week’s storms, Arborists in the North Island have had to emloy extra people to meet the demand created by thousands of trees felled by high winds.
From Horowhenua to Upper Hutt dozens of trees fell on houses and other buildings and thousands of others are blocking roads and access to homes
Storm will cost tens of millions
During the recent storm in New Zealand the P&O cruises ship Pacific Sun was hit by 7 metre swells and 50 knot winds when it suddenly rolled 600km north of Auckland. Forty-two people on the cruise have received medical treatment.
The storm has continued to lash New Zealand as it has moved down the country towards the South Island. It has been confirmed that the person lost has drowned while trying to cross a river and it seems likely that her husband who is also missing may have also drowned. Some initial estimates of the damage caused by the storm put the costs at millions of dollars.
50,000 Homes with out Power
The last 12 hours the North Island of New Zealand has been buffeted by winds of up to 150k and heavy rain. There have been more than 50,000 homes without power as tress blew down and crashed through power lines. The speed on the harbour bridge was lowered to 60k and people were told to stay at home and not venture out unless necessary. We are fortunate that there has been now loss of life although there is damage to property. The storm has passed its peek and it is more settled but forecasters are predicting a possible repeat next Wednesday.
Just in Time……
Well it looks as if the looming power crisis is off. The long awaited rain has come and the storage lakes are now more than 60% full. It is good that we will not face black outs. The infrastructure will cope and the proposed wind farms will assist in the future.
Petrol is still down and that will greatly assist. The general low… and talk of depression will at least be off – the tip of peoples tongues even if it is only for a short time. Some positive news has been badly lacking for some time.
Fine again
Well after three days of showers and rain it is fine again. There is a lot of fog and the airport has been closed. There are a lot of people out and a lot of traffic. Petrol is now $2.19 a litre. It has made me think twice about using the car. It also must impact on prices and milk and cheese are forecast to rise in price.
Weather to crack up again….
After several days of fine sunny weather the forecast is not good for the next few days. It is to blow and rain once again over the next few days as another low moves on to NZ. It is not as cold tonight and that is a blessing.
Still no letter has been received I find it rather strange as we have had copies of all other letters sent to us.
Still no letter
Well the letter we have been waiting for still has not come. Made some phone calls and sent some emails but nothing has come to hand so far.
Weather has been fine but is forecast to deteriate this afternoon. Will need to go out and do some business soon. Thought I wouls make a quick entry befor I went.