Heavy rain and wind warnings in place across North Island; rain hits Northland, Auckland, Coromandel as NZ braces for TC Gabrielle

Auckland and Coromandel are under NZ MetService’s highest severe weather warnings possible as Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle tracks closer to New Zealand bringing strong winds and heavy rain.

MetService upgraded 19 severe weather warnings and watches this morning, issuing red warnings for both heavy rain and strong winds for Auckland and Coromandel.

Red heavy rain warnings are in place for Northland and Gisborne, while orange warnings for heavy rain and strong winds are active for most other regions across the North Island.

Speed and lane restrictions have been placed on Auckland Harbour Bridge and power outages have been reported across parts of Northland and Auckland.

MetService says it will be a very intense system as it moves closer to the shores in the coming days and widespread severe weather is forecast with the worst expected tomorrow and Tuesday.

Transport agency Waka Kotahi says it had imposed speed and lane restrictions on the harbour bridge on Sunday morning “due to severe wind gusts”.

A 133km/h gust has already hit Cape Reinga this morning.

In a social media post this morning, Auckland Emergency Management says residents should consider evacuating early if they are in flood-prone or isolated areas.

Officials have also asked residents to ensure no further flood-damaged items are placed on kerbs - and that any already there after recent flooding should be secured, so they don’t cause additional hazards over the next two days.

[Source: NZ Herald]