Source: Radio New Zealand
Bluebridge and Interislander in Picton Marlborough sounds RNZ/ Rachel Thomas
Two BlueBridge ferry sailings have been cancelled for passengers due to rough conditions in the Cook Strait.
MetService forecast southerly swells of up to 4m with winds reaching just over 80 km/h.
Strong winds are expected to continue through Tuesday.
BlueBridge sailings from Wellington at 1.30pm on Monday and from Picton at 2pm were affected.
The ferry company was looking to rebook affected customers or add them to standby lists on later sailings. Availability was limited due to “peak season demand”.
KiwiRail was not expecting to cancel is Interislander ferry sailings but some could be delayed.
“While sea conditions may make it a little bumpy at times, cancellations are not expected. The weather conditions are resulting in some delays in departure as we take additional required steps to ensure vehicles are securely loaded for the conditions,” a spokesperson said. Interislander would closely monitor conditions.
No formal weather watches or warnings were in place for the region, MetService’s website showed.
“A southerly flow covers the North Island on Tuesday, while a large high in the Tasman Sea extends over the South Island, its severe weather outlooks said, noting a “strong or gale southeasterly flow” for the offshore Chatham Islands.
Meanwhile, ferry services connecting Eastbourne and Wellington City had been cancelled at least 10am Monday because of the conditions.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
