Cyclone Winston upgraded to severe

A cyclone swirling in the Pacific north of New Zealand has been upgraded to severe.

WeatherWatch this morning said Cyclone Winston had ramped up to Category 4, which would increase the chances of more dangerous beach conditions for parts of the North Island.

The cyclone posed no direct threat to New Zealand, as it was likely to swing back north after tracking south.

"However this swing back north in a few days may impact Tonga - and help set up very humid airflow down into New Zealand later next week," head weather analyst Philip Duncan said.

Winston has sustained winds of 175kmh and is still strengthening. Winds were expected to get to 185kmh today, with gusts well over 200kmh.

A second tropical cyclone, Tatiana, remains at Category 1 in the Coral Sea and was likely to lose its cyclone status this weekend.

 

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