New Zealand Cyclones

Map of New Zealand showing the North and South Islands

http://www.freeworldmaps.net/oceania/new-zealand/new-zealand-map-big.jpg

As you can see New Zealand consists of two islands off the coast of Australia. Because the country is surrounded by water and is south of the equator, it is likely to get tropical storms. On average, most areas in New Zealand get between 600-1600 mm of rain each year. In order for a tropical storm/cyclone to occur, the storm would have to have a strong coriolis effect, high sea surface temperature, few changes in wind speed and direction, lots of water vapor, and some convergence as a trigger. As soon as one of these “ingredients” disappears or as soon as the cyclone passes over land, the cyclone will disappear as well. Cyclones are typically formed over warm ocean water, at least 79F through a depth of 60m, thus formatting clouds. And if there is low air pressure where these clouds are formed, then it pulls the clouds in and begins to rotate, picking up speed and turning into a cyclone.

Diagram showing how cyclones are formed

http://c9geonaturalhazards.wikispaces.com/file/view/Picture111.png/153462795/Picture111.png 

Because of the location of New Zealand, the country has a tropical climate that qualifies it to have quite a few tropical storms. In fact, a major cyclone has hit New Zealand this past March 2014, Cyclone Lusi. Although the country prepared for the worst, Cyclone Lusi was not as destructive as it could have been. With only several deaths, flooded streets, broken power lines, a few damaged roofs, heavy rain and heavy wind, the cyclone only managed to moderately destroy parts of the country with a rating of category 3.

This is an image of Cyclone Lusi over New Zealand

http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2014/03/11/441756-an-extratropical-cyclone-is-seen-over-the-united-kingdom-using-moderat.jpg

If you are caught in a cyclone zone in New Zealand, the safest thing you could do is go inland (away from the ocean) and get indoors. However with todays technology, we are able to track storms and predict when and where they are going to hit. This gives people time to gather family and some important belongings and get away from the impact zone.

http://www.em.gov.au/sites/schools/getthefacts/cyclones/pages/default.aspx 

https://www.niwa.co.nz/education-and-training/schools/resources/climate/overview 

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11219244