Videos from Auckland and the Coromandel show massive waves lashing shorelines as Cyclone Gabrielle bears down.
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.
A video sent to Newshub shows massive waves smashing into the shore at Hahei beach in the Coromandel.
The waves, which are several metres high, completely engulf a large rock before slamming into the cliffside.
Another video, from Kohimarama beach in Auckland, shows waves crashing over the sea wall and onto the road on Sunday night.
Massive waves also slammed into Waiwera and flooded roads on Sunday night as well as battering Arkles Bay in Whangaparāoa.
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.
