likely again today

Press, 23 September 1980, Page 1

likely again today

High winds which buffeted cars on coastal roads near Kaikoura and closed Canterbury ski-fields yesterday, are likely to continue for several days, according to the Christchurch Meteorological office. North Canterbury was buffeted by 60 to 70-knot gusts, the strongest winds since the big storm five years ago. In spite of the force of yesterday’s wind, which reached 70 knots in some parts of Canterbury, the province did escape lightly. Only minor disruptions occurred to power supplies, and the Forest Service reported no serious damage in any of its plantations. Late yesterday afternoon, the Automobile Association (Canterbury) was warning motorists to take care on coastal roads, or on isolated, exposed, areas on inland passes. The coastal highway north of Kaikoura presented particular problems to motorists. The Meteorological office said that the winds peaked several times during the day. A reading of 52 knots was taken at Christchurch Airport at 8.45 a.m., the highest metropolitan recording. All Canterbury ski-fields were closed, as dangerous gusts blew across access roads. The Central Canterbury Electric Power Board and the Municipal Electricitv Department said that trees falling across power lines had caused isolated disruptions. The Post Office regional engineer’s department reported that 13 Lees Valley subscribers had their telephone service cut yesterday afternoon? ■ ’H The general manager of the North, Canterbury Electric Power Board (Mr D. W. Harris) said the wind had caused little damage. A power pole had been broken in Marshmans Road, and several houses "here and there” had had their powercut. In Wellington, sheets of roofing which smashed through part of the old ceiling of the National Museum and Art Gallery, sprayed glass through the entrance hall but left the $24 million Thyssen-Bome-misza collection undamaged.