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Wild weather closes Strait

Wild weather and massive waves will close the Tory Channel to shipping.

With the worst of ex-cyclone Gabrielle expected to arrive in the region today (Tuesday), shipping operations to and from Picton have been suspended.

And boaties are being advised to stay out of the water until at least Wednesday.

Marlborough Harbourmaster Jake Oliver says he expects marine conditions to worsen. “Marine conditions will be pretty bad for at least the next two days. We’re expecting wind gusts of up to 100 km/h around Picton and possibly even higher in the outer Marlborough Sounds.” He says following discussions with Port Marlborough and the ferry operators, shipping operations to and from Picton will be suspended tomorrow for all ships over 350 gross tons. “Port Marlborough has advised it will suspend marine operations from 10.00 am until 10.00 pm tomorrow, Tuesday.”

“These times are subject to change depending on the movement of the weather system.” Tory Channel will be closed from 10.00 am tomorrow until 2.00 pm on Wednesday 15 February, due to the predicted wave heights and wind strength.

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor is encouraging residents to prepare as ex-cyclone Gabrielle travels south.

“Our advice is to use today to prepare and stay off the roads, and also off the water.” She says people are strongly advised to keep up with weather forecasts.