Farmers, growers and rural communities are being urged to take precautions and get prepared for the arrival of Cyclone Gabrielle.
The storm has now intensified into a category 3 severe tropical cyclone and is expected to travel down the east of New Zealand. Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate from Sunday, bringing high levels of rainfall and severe gales (up to 150km/h). The cyclone is expected to hit the top of the North Island on Sunday and reach the eastern side of the North Island between Monday and early Tuesday.
MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for Northland and Auckland north of Whangaparāoa from 1am Sunday until midnight Tuesday, when periods of heavy rain are expected.
There remains uncertainty around the exact path of Cyclone Gabrielle as it approaches, so please keep up to date with the latest weather information at: www.metservice.com/warnings/home
This weather will affect areas already sodden, flooded and where land is unstable from previous weather events. Expect and prepare for the severe gales and the possibility of further heavy rain to interrupt power supplies, cause flooding, generate coastal surges, and cause treefall and further slips. Previously unaffected farms may be affected this time.
For more information: hortnz.co.nz