[ad_1]
After the waves in Wellington ripped out garage doors, smashed windows, and smashed concrete, the city is ready for a little cleaning.
On Wednesday, emergency services were called to the south shore of Wellington when waves more than five meters high hit the shore.
Five houses in Ōwhiro Bay were evacuated, while those that remained slowly began to sweep rocks along the way. One person was washed into the sea, suffering moderate injuries.
On Thursday morning, the police cords remained in Ōwhiro Bay overnight.
READ MORE:
* Person washed ashore, evacuations as big waves hit Wellington’s south shore
* Super tides break concrete and damage houses on the south coast
* What caused Wellington’s extreme waves?
* Alone in a wild ocean, New Zealand is crushed by some of the largest waves in the world.
MetService meteorologist Andy Best said Wednesday’s huge waves were not very common.
“Maybe every three years, we will see something similar to this and it depends on the orientation of the surf.”
If the surf were more southern, we would be more likely to see it in Wellington, he said.
1 of 7KEVIN STENT / STUFF
A wave crashes into a parking lot near Owhiro Bay.
2 of 7KEVIN STENT / STUFF
More butchery around Wellington’s south shore.
3 of 7ROBERT KITCHIN / MATERIAL
The emergency service ropes off the road to Owhiro Bay, where large waves have forced the evacuation of some houses.
4 of 7KEVIN STENT / STUFF
A large log has been hauled onto a road off the south coast of Wellington.
5 out of 7MATT TSO / THINGS
Big waves crash on the way to Eastbourne, Hutt Valley.
6 of 7KEVIN STENT / STUFF
Police patrol a rubble covered road.
7 out of 7KEVIN STENT / STUFF
Huge waves at high tide have caused extensive damage and debris on the Esplanade between Island and Owhiro Bays, Wellington.
“Most of it is really gone.”
On Thursday, Castlepoint’s forecast showed a 4m surge to the southwest was easing, and a 3m surge to the south was also easing in the Cook Strait.
Wednesday’s waves lasted a long period of time, from 12 to 13 seconds, from one crest to another. They usually last from 5 to 6 seconds.
“Long waves can cause damage.”
KEVIN STENT / STUFF
For many residents, the cleanup began after high tide on Wednesday.
What caused the big waves?
On Wednesday, Niwa forecaster Ben Noll said the waves were caused by a low-pressure deep area passing through the Chatham Islands.
“For Wellington, the highest waves are expected to last until mid-afternoon before relaxing tonight,” said Noll.
The Niwa monitoring buoy at Baring Head had recorded a maximum wave height of 5.5m so far.
MATTHEW TSO / THINGS
Contractors at Days Bay in Lower Hutt could be seen cleaning up on Wednesday.
“When the big waves break, there is an increase in the configuration of the waves. The water level rises, allowing the waves to reach inland. In addition to having slightly elevated tides in the back of the real tides a few days ago” .
When combined with a deep low pressure system and strong winds, this increases the risk of coastal erosion and flooding along the exposed coasts, he said.
