Auckland is being hit hard by fresh spells of heavy downpour yet again weeks after a massive deluge caused havoc in New Zealand's largest city. Several sites in the city on Friday (February 24) received over 100 mm of rain in six hours, "most of which came from intense thunderstorms moving through", as per the weather office that had earlier in the day sounded a severe storm warning. The situation is likely to ease by Saturday morning. North Island, home to a third of country's population, was among other areas that have been affected. "For southern Northland (from about Whangarei southwards), and Auckland including Great Barrier Island, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe with localised downpours of 25-50 mm/h. The risk is easing from the north this evening and should have cleared most of the area by midnight, but some risk remains in the south until early Saturday morning," read a statement by the weather office.&nbsp;

Also watch: Another devastating calamity hits New Zealand

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">Video Embed Code:
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/another-devastating-calamity-hits-new-zealand-562353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>Impact of severe storm in Auckland</h2>

&nbsp;

"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/ or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain," the Meteorological Service further highlighted. While locals were advised against driving in the hazardous conditions, some motorists were reportedly trapped in the affected parts. Around 30 students and their parents were stranded at a school in Northland as heavy rain caused flooding, New Zealand Herald, a local daily, reported, which also pointed that locals in Auckland were warned about "two months worth of rain".

In a tweet, Auckland Emergency Management stressed: "There is no access between Auckland and Northland due to road closures on State Highway 1. We are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and shelter at home. Please don't attempt to drive through flood affected areas, it is not safe. (sic)"

Also read| <a href="wionews.com/world/new-zealand-cyclone-gabrielle-damages-could-cost-over-8-billion-state-of-emergency-extended-564000">New Zealand: Cyclone Gabrielle damages could cost over $8 billion; state of emergency extended</a>

This comes just two weeks after Cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand, nearly causing widespread havoc across the country's North Island, leaving at least 11 people dead and displacing thousands.More than 50,000 homes were left without power amid a massive damage to public infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Auckland is being hit hard by fresh spells of heavy downpour yet again weeks after a massive deluge caused havoc in New Zealand's largest city. Several sites in the city on Friday (February 24) received over 100 mm of rain in six hours, "most of which came from intense thunderstorms moving through", as per the weather office that had earlier in the day sounded a severe storm warning.

Auckland is being hit hard by fresh spells of heavy downpour yet again weeks after a massive deluge caused havoc in New Zealand's largest city. Several sites in the city on Friday (February 24) received over 100 mm of rain in six hours, "most of which came from intense thunderstorms moving through", as per the weather office that had earlier in the day sounded a severe storm warning. The situation is likely to ease by Saturday morning. North Island, home to a third of country's population, was among other areas that have been affected. "For southern Northland (from about Whangarei southwards), and Auckland including Great Barrier Island, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe with localised downpours of 25-50 mm/h. The risk is easing from the north this evening and should have cleared most of the area by midnight, but some risk remains in the south until early Saturday morning," read a statement by the weather office. Also watch: Another devastating calamity hits New Zealand Video Embed Code: × Impact of severe storm in Auckland "Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/ or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain," the Meteorological Service further highlighted. While locals were advised against driving in the hazardous conditions, some motorists were reportedly trapped in the affected parts. Around 30 students and their parents were stranded at a school in Northland as heavy rain caused flooding, New Zealand Herald, a local daily, reported, which also pointed that locals in Auckland were warned about "two months worth of rain". In a tweet, Auckland Emergency Management stressed: "There is no access between Auckland and Northland due to road closures on State Highway 1. We are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and shelter at home. Please don't attempt to drive through flood affected areas, it is not safe. (sic)" Also read| New Zealand: Cyclone Gabrielle damages could cost over $8 billion; state of emergency extended This comes just two weeks after Cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand, nearly causing widespread havoc across the country's North Island, leaving at least 11 people dead and displacing thousands.More than 50,000 homes were left without power amid a massive damage to public infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Auckland hit hard yet again, thunderstorm wreaks havoc: '2 months worth of rain'

As New Zealand continues to reel from the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle which has killed 11 people while authorities are still looking for thousands of others who remain missing a week after what the country’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has called the biggest natural disaster this century. Additionally, the officials in Wellington, on Monday (February 20) warned that the total cost of this unprecedented storm will cross $8 billion.&nbsp;

Hipkins has also extended the national state of emergency declared in New Zealand for seven more days for recovery and relief efforts after the cyclone hit the North Island’s northernmost region on February 12 and headed towards the east coast leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. He previously also said that the storm has caused damage “on a scale not seen in New Zealand for at least a generation”.

Meanwhile, the country’s Finance Minister Grant Robertson, who has also been appointed as the Cyclone Recovery Minister, on Monday, said that the cyclone could cost the government around $8.42 billion (NZ$13.5 billion). Recently, at a press conference, Hipkins announced a $187 million (NZ$300 million) cyclone relief package which would, “reconnect our communities and future-proof our nation's infrastructure” and said that the investment will be “significant and it will require hard decisions”, reported Reuters.

He added, “We won’t shy away from those hard decisions and are working on a suite of measures to support New Zealanders by building back better, building back safer and building back smarter.” The aforementioned relief package would provide NZ$250 million to fix critical roads in the cyclone-hit region while the other NZ$50 million will be used as emergency support for businesses.&nbsp;

The police have also confirmed the death of 11 people in North Island’s Hawke’s Bay while some 2,200 people remain unaccounted for. Speaking to the AM show, on Monday, New Zealand police commissioner Andrew Coster said that the death toll is expected to rise. He also noted the difficulty with communicating and said it is hindering their efforts to make contact with affected people.&nbsp;

In a bid to bridge this gap, the country also has also deployed 60 Elon Musk-owned Starlink satellites while 30 more are on the way, to contact 15,000 residents of the cyclone-hit region as thousands still remain without power. Meanwhile, search and rescue teams continue to work in areas which have been damaged because of Cyclone Gabrielle, reported Reuters.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

As New Zealand continues to reel from the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle which has killed 11 people while authorities are still looking for thousands of others who remain missing a week after what the country’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has called the biggest natural disaster this century.

As New Zealand continues to reel from the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle which has killed 11 people while authorities are still looking for thousands of others who remain missing a week after what the country’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has called the biggest natural disaster this century. Additionally, the officials in Wellington, on Monday (February 20) warned that the total cost of this unprecedented storm will cross $8 billion. Hipkins has also extended the national state of emergency declared in New Zealand for seven more days for recovery and relief efforts after the cyclone hit the North Island’s northernmost region on February 12 and headed towards the east coast leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. He previously also said that the storm has caused damage “on a scale not seen in New Zealand for at least a generation”. Meanwhile, the country’s Finance Minister Grant Robertson, who has also been appointed as the Cyclone Recovery Minister, on Monday, said that the cyclone could cost the government around $8.42 billion (NZ$13.5 billion). Recently, at a press conference, Hipkins announced a $187 million (NZ$300 million) cyclone relief package which would, “reconnect our communities and future-proof our nation's infrastructure” and said that the investment will be “significant and it will require hard decisions”, reported Reuters. He added, “We won’t shy away from those hard decisions and are working on a suite of measures to support New Zealanders by building back better, building back safer and building back smarter.” The aforementioned relief package would provide NZ$250 million to fix critical roads in the cyclone-hit region while the other NZ$50 million will be used as emergency support for businesses. The police have also confirmed the death of 11 people in North Island’s Hawke’s Bay while some 2,200 people remain unaccounted for. Speaking to the AM show, on Monday, New Zealand police commissioner Andrew Coster said that the death toll is expected to rise. He also noted the difficulty with communicating and said it is hindering their efforts to make contact with affected people. In a bid to bridge this gap, the country also has also deployed 60 Elon Musk-owned Starlink satellites while 30 more are on the way, to contact 15,000 residents of the cyclone-hit region as thousands still remain without power. Meanwhile, search and rescue teams continue to work in areas which have been damaged because of Cyclone Gabrielle, reported Reuters. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New Zealand: Cyclone Gabrielle damages could cost over $8 billion; state of emergency extended

Cyclone Gabrielle has caused massive destruction in the North Island region of New Zealand. The death toll has risen to eight and Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has said that the count is expected to rise as rescue workers reach more people stranded by the cyclone. After hitting the North Island, the cyclone made its way way down the east coast, cutting off towns, washing away farms, bridges and livestock and inundating homes, stranding people on rooftops.

"We do need to brace ourselves for the fact that there are likely be more fatalities from this across the country. And the true extent of that, we won't know for a while," Hipkins said.

Meanwhile, a video of some orchard workers in Hawke's Bay has emerged, showing them navigating through floodwaters using refrigerators and mattresses. They were all stuck due to the cyclone and tried to take refuge on rooftops. The video of the Hawke's Bay orchard workers went viral, leading to a rescue mission. All the workers were lifted by helicopters and taken to safer locations.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-five-dead-in-aftermath-of-cyclone-gabrielle-over-10000-people-displaced-562519">Five dead in aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle; over 10,000 people displaced</a>

Communication channels cut

Several thousand people are unable to contact their loved ones in New Zealand as communication lines are down. Over 4,500 people had registered with the police by Friday as being out of touch with friends or family. Police says that a lot of those affected do not have access to communication networks.

"This is undoubtedly the biggest natural disaster that we've seen probably this century," Hipkins said. "The scale of the damage is considerable because it covers such a large geographical area."

Communication and access to several areas has been affected as about 62,000 properties still without power.

Rescue and relief operations&nbsp;

A specialist team from Australia has reached New Zealand to assist with the rescue and relief effort, Hipkins said. Trucks carrying essential items are being sent to remote areas, while defence ships and aircrafts are being used to transport items to areas of the east coast.

In Hawke's Bay, a mostly rural region, helicopters and boats are out looking for stranded people, besides the land-based search and rescue teams.

Two temporary morgues have also been set up in the Hawke's Bay region which includes the towns of Napier, Hastings and Wairoa.&nbsp;

Officials also warned that since Cyclone Gabrielle submerged farms, supply fruits and vegetables could be impacted in the coming days.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Cyclone Gabrielle has caused massive destruction in the North Island region of New Zealand. The death toll has risen to eight and Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has said that the count is expected to rise as rescue workers reach more people stranded by the cyclone.

Cyclone Gabrielle has caused massive destruction in the North Island region of New Zealand. The death toll has risen to eight and Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has said that the count is expected to rise as rescue workers reach more people stranded by the cyclone. After hitting the North Island, the cyclone made its way way down the east coast, cutting off towns, washing away farms, bridges and livestock and inundating homes, stranding people on rooftops. "We do need to brace ourselves for the fact that there are likely be more fatalities from this across the country. And the true extent of that, we won't know for a while," Hipkins said. Meanwhile, a video of some orchard workers in Hawke's Bay has emerged, showing them navigating through floodwaters using refrigerators and mattresses. They were all stuck due to the cyclone and tried to take refuge on rooftops. The video of the Hawke's Bay orchard workers went viral, leading to a rescue mission. All the workers were lifted by helicopters and taken to safer locations. Also Read | Five dead in aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle; over 10,000 people displaced Communication channels cut Several thousand people are unable to contact their loved ones in New Zealand as communication lines are down. Over 4,500 people had registered with the police by Friday as being out of touch with friends or family. Police says that a lot of those affected do not have access to communication networks. "This is undoubtedly the biggest natural disaster that we've seen probably this century," Hipkins said. "The scale of the damage is considerable because it covers such a large geographical area." Communication and access to several areas has been affected as about 62,000 properties still without power. Rescue and relief operations A specialist team from Australia has reached New Zealand to assist with the rescue and relief effort, Hipkins said. Trucks carrying essential items are being sent to remote areas, while defence ships and aircrafts are being used to transport items to areas of the east coast. In Hawke's Bay, a mostly rural region, helicopters and boats are out looking for stranded people, besides the land-based search and rescue teams. Two temporary morgues have also been set up in the Hawke's Bay region which includes the towns of Napier, Hastings and Wairoa. Officials also warned that since Cyclone Gabrielle submerged farms, supply fruits and vegetables could be impacted in the coming days. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cyclone Gabrielle: Orchard workers in Hawke's Bay use refrigerators & mattresses to wade through waters

The death toll in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand has climbed to five and there are fears that the number of deaths could climb further. The police said on Thursday (February 16) that a person is believed to have died after being caught in flood water in the Gisborne region.

The death toll in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand has climbed to five and there are fears that the number of deaths could climb further. The police said on Thursday (February 16) that a person is believed to have died after being caught in flood water in the Gisborne region. Four other deaths have already been confirmed and the police expressed grave concerns about missing people. A report by the news agency AFP on Thursday said that more heavy rain was forecast for the badly-hit eastern areas of New Zealand- where the disaster has severed roads, collapsed houses and cut power. Government officials estimate 10,500 people have so far been displaced with 9,000 made homeless in eastern regions alone. ALSO READ | More than 58,000 left without power as Cyclone Gabrielle batters New Zealand New Zealand is currently under a state of national emergency after Cyclone Gabrielle bore down on its northern coast last Sunday (February 12). The cyclone has faded into the Pacific but the MetService warned of further downpours on Thursday of up to 40 millimetres per hour in the eastern regions that are already flooded, the report said. Naval vessels, helicopters deployed for rescue ops Two large naval vessels and a C-130 Hercules transport plane have been deployed to deliver thousands of litres of water along with personnel and several mobile water treatment plants to hard-hit areas. On the other hand, NH90 helicopters have brought in supplies and rescued hundreds of people stranded on their rooftops. The east-coast city of Napier was cut-off again on Thursday after experts detected damage to the last useable bridge linking its residents with the rest of New Zealand. Isolated residents had been told not to leave their houses unless "absolutely essential" and to restrict water use. This is a traumatic event: New Zealand PM On Thursday, New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins warned citizens of a long, gruelling recovery ahead. "This is a traumatic event. It's a very big challenge to restore infrastructure as fast as we can, but we have to acknowledge that we are in for a bumpy ride," Hipkins said, AFP reported. He added, "There are no overnight fixes. We could have the bulldozers working 24/7 and it would still take time to re-establish road links." The Prime Minister also said on Thursday that his government was accepting offers of international assistance after such offers from the United States and other countries were initially set aside. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New Zealand: Five dead in aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle; over 10,000 people displaced

Cyclone Gabrielle weakened and moved away from New Zealand. The country started to assess the damage caused by cyclone.

Cyclone Gabrielle moves away from New Zealand

While, Cyclone Gabrielle weakens and moves away from New Zealand, the country has begun accessing the damage caused by the cyclone, which also prompted an emergency to be declared. Rescue teams have finally reached the affected areas cut of by days of torrential rains.

Cyclone Gabrielle moves away from New Zealand; 225,000 people living without electricity | WION

New Zealand has declared a state of emergency as cyclone Gabrielle battered the north island bringing widespread flooding and leaving tens of thousands of people without power. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Cyclone Gabrielle wreaks havoc in New Zealand's Auckland

Thousands of people were left in a blackout&nbsp;and flights were grounded&nbsp;in New Zealand on Monday as the north of the country was lashed by a tropical storm called "Gabrielle".

Emergency management minister Kieran McAnulty called it a "critical day" because of a "highly dangerous" combination of heavy rain and high winds.

Compared to its previous cyclone status, the storm weakened. However, it still uprooted trees, downed power lines and damaged roads.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-braces-for-impact-of-cyclone-gabrielle-561144">New Zealand braces for impact of Cyclone Gabrielle</a>

The government declared a state of emergency in five regions of the north, which included Auckland.&nbsp;

Around 58,000 people in the North Island of New Zealand are without power.&nbsp;According to officials, it could take days for power restoration.&nbsp;

"As long as the weather continues to be as severe as it is, it's actually unsafe," to work on the network, stated McAnulty.&nbsp;

The weather has reportedly created chaos on New Zealand's travel network. Scheduled flights, trains and buses have ground to a halt, as winds of up to 140 kilometres (87 miles) per hour battered the Northland region. As per AFP, Auckland's harbour bridge was jolted by gusts of around 110 kph.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who was among thousands stuck in Auckland after the storm grounded flights, has called upon people to&nbsp;&nbsp;"be prepared, stay inside if you can".

The largest city of New Zealand, which is home to 1.6 million people, is still on the path of recovery after four died in flash floods last month and thousands were forced to leave their homes.&nbsp;

On Saturday night, Cyclone Gabrielle swept past the Australian territory of Norfolk Island in the Tasman Sea.&nbsp;

It is currently present in the north of New Zealand, as rain and winds are expected to intensify.

Also Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-devastating-floods-new-zealand-set-to-face-a-major-tropical-cyclone-561157/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Monday, Deputy Controller Auckland Emergency Management &nbsp;Rachel Kelleher said, "The impact of Gabrielle is still in its early stages and further serious and severe weather is still expected for Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland), later today into Tuesday morning. Now is not the time for complacency."

Meanwhile, the government has closed schools and local government facilities in Auckland and the upper North Island and appealed to people to avoid travelling if possible,&nbsp;

McAnulty stated that the government is also mulling declaring a national state of emergency for the third time in the history of the country "but we may not have to".&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Thousands of people were left in a blackout and flights were grounded in New Zealand on Monday as the north of the country was lashed by a tropical storm called "Gabrielle".

Thousands of people were left in a blackout and flights were grounded in New Zealand on Monday as the north of the country was lashed by a tropical storm called "Gabrielle". Emergency management minister Kieran McAnulty called it a "critical day" because of a "highly dangerous" combination of heavy rain and high winds. Compared to its previous cyclone status, the storm weakened. However, it still uprooted trees, downed power lines and damaged roads. ALSO READ | New Zealand braces for impact of Cyclone Gabrielle The government declared a state of emergency in five regions of the north, which included Auckland. Around 58,000 people in the North Island of New Zealand are without power. According to officials, it could take days for power restoration. "As long as the weather continues to be as severe as it is, it's actually unsafe," to work on the network, stated McAnulty. The weather has reportedly created chaos on New Zealand's travel network. Scheduled flights, trains and buses have ground to a halt, as winds of up to 140 kilometres (87 miles) per hour battered the Northland region. As per AFP, Auckland's harbour bridge was jolted by gusts of around 110 kph. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who was among thousands stuck in Auckland after the storm grounded flights, has called upon people to "be prepared, stay inside if you can". The largest city of New Zealand, which is home to 1.6 million people, is still on the path of recovery after four died in flash floods last month and thousands were forced to leave their homes. On Saturday night, Cyclone Gabrielle swept past the Australian territory of Norfolk Island in the Tasman Sea. It is currently present in the north of New Zealand, as rain and winds are expected to intensify. Also Watch | On Monday, Deputy Controller Auckland Emergency Management Rachel Kelleher said, "The impact of Gabrielle is still in its early stages and further serious and severe weather is still expected for Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland), later today into Tuesday morning. Now is not the time for complacency." Meanwhile, the government has closed schools and local government facilities in Auckland and the upper North Island and appealed to people to avoid travelling if possible, McAnulty stated that the government is also mulling declaring a national state of emergency for the third time in the history of the country "but we may not have to". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

More than 58,000 left without power as Cyclone Gabrielle batters New Zealand

Cyclone Gabrielle: Thousands left without power, flights cancelled, emergency declared

Cyclone Gabrielle wreaked havoc in Northern New Zealand. Bringing strong winds and heavy rain to Auckland and nearby regions, some 46,000 homes have lost power. Some areas have declared a state of emergency.

Cyclone Gabrielle strikes Northern New Zealand

Just days after recording its worst flood disaster, New Zealand is now bracing up for the massive tropical cyclone Gabrielle. Auckland is looking wearingly to its Northwest as the cyclone gathers team.

After devastating floods, New Zealand set to face a major tropical Cyclone

New Zealand braces for the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on Sunday (February 12) warning citizens to hunker down and prepare an evacuation plan. A report by the news agency AFP said that the cyclone is forecast to envelop the upper half of the North Island over 48 hours from Sunday evening.&nbsp; 
Speaking to reporters, Prime Minister Hipkins said that everyone should be ready to face the threats posed by flooding, huge ocean swells, and strong winds.

"Our main message to people across the country is to please take the severe weather warning seriously and to make sure you're prepared," Hipkins said. He added that people should ensure they have their grab-and-go kits, and also ensure where they need to go in case they have to evacuate their homes.&nbsp;

Auckland city remains under a state of emergency as it faces another bout of heavy rainfall and severe winds, the AFP report said. On January 27, flash floods swamped Auckland resulting in four deaths and forcing thousands from their homes.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, the MetService weather bureau measured wind gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour (86 miles per hour) in northern New Zealand. The weather bureau said, "This system poses a very high risk of extreme, impactful, and unprecedented weather over many regions of the North Island from Sunday to Tuesday."

Cyclone Gabrielle is also forecast to weaken slightly as it moves slowly south on Monday and Tuesday. Strong winds led to the closure of Auckland's Harbour Bridge on Sunday, while most flights into and out of Auckland Airport on Monday had already been cancelled.&nbsp;

The report further said Gabrielle was downgraded from a tropical cyclone as it approached New Zealand. On Saturday night, the cyclone passed over Australia's remote Norfolk Island. There were reports of downed trees and power cuts but no significant damage.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

New Zealand braces for the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on Sunday (February 12) warning citizens to hunker down and prepare an evacuation plan.

New Zealand braces for the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on Sunday (February 12) warning citizens to hunker down and prepare an evacuation plan. A report by the news agency AFP said that the cyclone is forecast to envelop the upper half of the North Island over 48 hours from Sunday evening. Speaking to reporters, Prime Minister Hipkins said that everyone should be ready to face the threats posed by flooding, huge ocean swells, and strong winds. "Our main message to people across the country is to please take the severe weather warning seriously and to make sure you're prepared," Hipkins said. He added that people should ensure they have their grab-and-go kits, and also ensure where they need to go in case they have to evacuate their homes. Auckland city remains under a state of emergency as it faces another bout of heavy rainfall and severe winds, the AFP report said. On January 27, flash floods swamped Auckland resulting in four deaths and forcing thousands from their homes. On Sunday morning, the MetService weather bureau measured wind gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour (86 miles per hour) in northern New Zealand. The weather bureau said, "This system poses a very high risk of extreme, impactful, and unprecedented weather over many regions of the North Island from Sunday to Tuesday." Cyclone Gabrielle is also forecast to weaken slightly as it moves slowly south on Monday and Tuesday. Strong winds led to the closure of Auckland's Harbour Bridge on Sunday, while most flights into and out of Auckland Airport on Monday had already been cancelled. The report further said Gabrielle was downgraded from a tropical cyclone as it approached New Zealand. On Saturday night, the cyclone passed over Australia's remote Norfolk Island. There were reports of downed trees and power cuts but no significant damage. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New Zealand braces for impact of Cyclone Gabrielle

The regions across Oceania are bracing for a massive storm as a cyclone is on its way and forecasters say that the Cyclone which has been named as Gabrielle, will arrive shortly Australia's Norfolk Island.

Oceania region braces for Cyclone Gabrielle, to impact Australia's Norfolk island & New Zealand

Tropical cyclone Gabrielle has formed off the Queensland coast. The storm is currently enhancing and moving towards the Australian outpost.&nbsp;Around 2,200 people living on Norfolk Island have been warned as they are battling the tropical cyclone.

<h2>What is Cyclone Gabrielle?</h2>

Cyclone Gabrielle is a category-one storm about 730 kilometres northwest of Mackay. On Wednesday,&nbsp;February 8, the storm started to form with sustained winds of more than 95 kilometres per hour.&nbsp;

The Meteorological Department predicted Cyclone Gabrielle might soon transform into a category-three cyclone. Forecasts say Cyclone Gabrielle would pack winds between 165-224 kilometres per hour on Thursday.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the Meteorological Department expects the storm to pass or potentially make landfall on Norfolk Island, located 1440 kilometres east, on Saturday or Sunday morning. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts that Cyclone Gabrielle will remain offshore. However, it could bring gigantic waves and heavy winds to the coastal areas of Queensland and northern NSW from Thursday, February 9.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/australia-and-new-zealand/australian-football-legend-barry-cable-sued-over-historical-child-sexual-abuse-claims-559639">Australian Football legend Barry Cable sued over historical child sexual abuse claims</a>

The bureau has also issued a warning to the islanders. It predicted that Cyclone Gabrielle might bring an extended period of gale-force winds. Moreover, heavy rainfall and damaging surf are possible. However, it depends on the movement and intensity of Cyclone Gabrielle.&nbsp;

The local emergency controller informed that the authorities have issued a green alert for islanders to start preparations to grapple with Cyclone Gabrielle in the next 72 hours.&nbsp;

<h2>What does 'Gabrielle' stand for?</h2>

Meteorologists have used Gabrielle in nine other storms. Six occurred in the Atlantic Ocean, two in Australian regions, and one in the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;

The first time meteorologists used Gabrielle was in 1989, when a hurricane hit the east coast of the United States and killed eight. Hurricane Gabrielle was a category-four cyclone. Most of the other Gabrielle cyclones have been tropical storms.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Tropical cyclone Gabrielle has formed off the Queensland coast. The storm is currently enhancing and moving towards the Australian outpost. Around 2,200 people living on Norfolk Island have been warned as they are battling the tropical cyclone.

Tropical cyclone Gabrielle has formed off the Queensland coast. The storm is currently enhancing and moving towards the Australian outpost. Around 2,200 people living on Norfolk Island have been warned as they are battling the tropical cyclone. What is Cyclone Gabrielle? Cyclone Gabrielle is a category-one storm about 730 kilometres northwest of Mackay. On Wednesday, February 8, the storm started to form with sustained winds of more than 95 kilometres per hour. The Meteorological Department predicted Cyclone Gabrielle might soon transform into a category-three cyclone. Forecasts say Cyclone Gabrielle would pack winds between 165-224 kilometres per hour on Thursday. Furthermore, the Meteorological Department expects the storm to pass or potentially make landfall on Norfolk Island, located 1440 kilometres east, on Saturday or Sunday morning. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts that Cyclone Gabrielle will remain offshore. However, it could bring gigantic waves and heavy winds to the coastal areas of Queensland and northern NSW from Thursday, February 9. ALSO READ | Australian Football legend Barry Cable sued over historical child sexual abuse claims The bureau has also issued a warning to the islanders. It predicted that Cyclone Gabrielle might bring an extended period of gale-force winds. Moreover, heavy rainfall and damaging surf are possible. However, it depends on the movement and intensity of Cyclone Gabrielle. The local emergency controller informed that the authorities have issued a green alert for islanders to start preparations to grapple with Cyclone Gabrielle in the next 72 hours. What does 'Gabrielle' stand for? Meteorologists have used Gabrielle in nine other storms. Six occurred in the Atlantic Ocean, two in Australian regions, and one in the Indian Ocean. The first time meteorologists used Gabrielle was in 1989, when a hurricane hit the east coast of the United States and killed eight. Hurricane Gabrielle was a category-four cyclone. Most of the other Gabrielle cyclones have been tropical storms. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Cyclone Gabrielle forms off Queensland coast, Norfolk island residents warned: Check full details here

cyclone-gabrielle

Cyclone Gabrielle, News on Cyclone Gabrielle, stories on Cyclone Gabrielle, articles on Cyclone Gabrielle, Cyclone Gabrielle stories at Wion, Cyclone Gabrielle news, Cyclone Gabrielle latest news

cyclone gabrielle