A new map shows Cyclone Gabrielle is driving in record storm surge with peaks over 0.5 metres.
This comes as Gabrielle whirls its way around parts of the North Island, with Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, Ōpōtiki, Hauraki, Thames-Coromandel, and Whakatāne all under states of emergency.
"We expect the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle to get, unfortunately, worse before they get better," said Rachel Kelleher, deputy controller of Auckland Emergency Management, on Monday.
Official Government advice:
- Severe impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle are now being seen across the upper North Island.
- Red Weather warnings are in place for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Gisborne and Taranaki, with ORANGE warnings for the rest of the North Island as well as the top of the South (Marlborough, Nelson and Buller)
- If it is safe to do so, stay at home. Avoid all non-essential travel
- Have an evacuation plan in case your home becomes unsafe to stay in
- If you have evacuated, please stay where you are until you are given the all-clear to go home
- Stay away from floodwater and never drive through floodwaters
- Check in on neighbours and family members if it is safe to do so
- Please stay up to date with the forecasts from MetService and continue to follow the advice of civil defence and emergency services
- Advice on how to get prepared, including in te reo Māori, is at getready.govt.nz
- Call 111 if you feel in any danger
- Stay safe. Don't take any chances
A NIWA graphic shows the Whitianga monitoring station recorded a storm surge of 0.7 metres and rising on Monday.
"Coastal flooding and erosion are likely for areas along the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty. Need to watch high tide tomorrow," NIWA Weather said on Twitter on Monday.
And a map shows the forecast odds of a storm surge greater than 0.5 metres.
"While this has already occurred today, it underscores the need to stay vigilant with upcoming high tides," NIWA added.
"Follow the advice from emergency officials."
Severe weather warnings remain in place for all parts of the North Island, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown urges people to pay attention to the weather forecast.
He spoke at an Auckland Emergency Management press conference on Monday, asking people to stay calm.
"Panicking will only add to the danger and uncertainty," he said.
NIWA is reminding people in the North Island to follow the advice from emergency officials.
