The tropical low in the Coral Sea has intensified as expected and is officially named Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, Australia's Bureau of meteorology says.
In a statement released by MetService on Wednesday, it said Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle was located 700km northeast of the coast of Queensland at 1pm on Wednesday (NZ time).
MetService said it expects Gabrielle to track southwest remaining over water, before it re-curves towards the southeast on Thursday, "putting it on a likely path towards Aotearoa New Zealand".
"It will continue on this track until it comes close to Northland late on Sunday."
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said by the time Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle reaches Aotearoa it will have lost its tropical characteristics, but it's still expected to be an "intense weather system".
"Likely impacts of this system include heavy rain, gale force winds and large waves leading to dangerous coastal conditions for the upper North Island into early next week."
Makgabutlane said there is still uncertainty around the Tropical Cyclone's path to Aotearoa.
"A slight change in atmospheric conditions may influence the track and speed of Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, which will affect the intensity and location of expected impacts," Makgabutlane said.
"This could affect some of the areas which have already seen significant impacts from recent weather events."
