Wild, stormy day here on the West Coast - big thunderstorms around 8am which was quite exciting. Think I've got work under control, which means I might be able to join the rest of the fam for a few days in Dunedin. Gotta be happy about that :)

Due at work about midday, so currently chilling with the NPR Explosions in the Sky concert on, loud!

[–] Dave 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You're in the business of caving tourism, right? What do thunderstorms mean for it, cancellations and lost income?

[–] Axisential 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yup, got it in one. I have some very strict operational levels for the two waterways we deal with - today was a tough call, as when I checked them at 0730 we were still well within operational, however looking at the forecast I decided not to risk it and cancelled both trips proactively. Was a great call as the rain came in hard and by about 11AM the river was in a screaming flood. Worst case would have been some disappointed tourists (as our systems virtually eliminate the possibility of getting stuck in the cave by rising water) but still better to cancel early than give them half a trip. So yeah, a couple of $K of lost income for the day, but I am always happy to err on the side of caution.

[–] Dave 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I presume it's expected at this time of year. Spring in my experience tends to be a season with a lot of rain (and yet also a lot of sun), and I think of the West Coast as being a reasonably wet area (with no basis for that, because I've never been there).

[–] Axisential 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yup, definitely our wettest and least settled period here. And you should plan a visit - it's a stunning part of the country!

[–] Dave 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I've seen scarily little of the South Island. A bit around the top, and one trip to Christchurch pre-quake where I flew in and out. I plan to do a bigger trip one day, just haven't got there yet.