Video has shown waves bursting the banks and lashing the shoreline in the Coromandel as Cyclone Gabrielle causes havoc in the upper North Island.
Video provided to Newshub shows waves crashing onto the road at Brophy's Beach in Whitianga at 11:35am on Monday.
Rain can be seen pelting down, while the road is flooded as the waves continue to crash over the shoreline.
In another video, also in Whitianga, rain can be seen lashing down while the strong wind can be heard roaring in the background.
It comes as the wind, heavy rain and waves lash the region as high tide approaches the area at around 2pm.
Cyclone Gabrielle made landfall on Sunday night, bringing severe rain and gales. MetService has issued 27 weather warnings and watches across New Zealand including a red heavy rain warning for Gisborne, the Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland and Northland.
A red strong wind warning is also in place for Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula.
While many are bracing for the worst impacts to hit, some areas are already experiencing significant flooding and storm surges.
It comes as emergency officials warn the worst impacts from Cyclone Gabrielle are likely to be felt on Monday and Tuesday.
Official Government update - Cyclone Gabrielle
- Cyclone Gabrielle will impact much of the North Island with severe gales, heavy rain and very large waves forecast from today through to Tuesday
- This is expected to be an unprecedented and dangerous weather event
- MetService has issued severe weather warnings for many parts of the North Island
- Keep up to date with MetService weather warnings and advice from your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
- Adhere to all advice and instructions from authorities
- Cyclone Gabrielle will also exacerbate the impacts for those communities recovering from recent floods
- Avoid travelling during severe weather and check Waka Kotahi for road closures
- Do what you can to prepare your household for the coming days.
- Information about preparing for storms can be found at getready.govt.nz
- Call 111 if you feel in any danger
- Stay safe. Don't take any chances.
