This morning at 04:00, the Weather Bureau issued a national warning of very cold conditions on the high ground, very rough seas and wave heights exceeding 5 metres. Hikers were evacuated from the Otter Trail on Wednesday, and the trail has been closed until conditions clear. The camp site at Natures Valley reported that lapping waves had reached as high as the top of the wheels of hikers’ cars parked there!

The good news from the village of Stanford, is that the weather will start improving from the weekend, with a warm and sunny week ahead. Temperatures will edge up to a pleasant 24 on Thursday!

Spare a thought for those in our communities who don’t have the luxury of a warm home and snuggly clothes and consider clearing out your old winter clothes….it’ll make you feel warm inside!