Cyclone Gabrielle has hit the north of New Zealand.
The storm is due to track across Northland on Sunday before moving south to Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne on Monday and Tuesday.
While the cyclone had taken a more eastern track over the last few days, forecasters are warning of strong wind, heavy rain, and big seas. As of Sunday, the storm has been downgraded to category 2.
Local Councils are starting to plan for the weather. With winds forecast to gust up to 150km/h or higher in Auckland from early Sunday morning, it is likely that the Auckland Harbour Bridge will need to close on short notice. Air New Zealand has offered flight deferrals in affected areas, asking people to postpone air travel unless it is urgent.
People are also urged to stock three days’ worth of food and water and prepare for possible power outages. Supermarkets have urged shoppers to be patient as people stock up on essential supplies.
