Friday, February 17
Sadly, the death toll has raised to six, and while NZ continues to regroup after the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, MetService has issued some good news for the country.
Cyclone Gabrielle will go down in history for many reasons. While the recovery is ongoing, from a weather perspective, the event is over. The attached map shows NO Severe weather over New Zealand in the coming days. A ridge of high pressure is set to bring a string of sunny days to both islands over the weekend. You can find the forecast for your place here.
Auckland Emergency Management has announced: For safety reasons, Auckland Emergency Management has temporarily closed five regional parks in the Auckland region – Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, Muriwai Ranges Regional Park, Atiu Creek Ranges Regional Park, Tāwharanui Ranges Regional Park, and the western side of Hunua Ranges including Hunua Falls. Access to parts of the West Coast including Muriwai, Piha, Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and Karekare is severely compromised due to landslips. Approximately 20 homes were evacuated in Piha last night due to land instability, and an exclusion zone is in place for a large part of Muriwai.
Thursday, February 16
The death toll from cyclone Gabrielle has now raised to five, with fears of more in the coming days due to difficulties in accounting for those in the regions. Our thoughts are with all those affected. Go here for details on the support available.
MetService has this morning issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. According to New Zealand's meteorological service: Unstable conditions over northern and central parts of the North Island are forecast this afternoon and evening which should give rise to scattered thunderstorms. A few of these thunderstorms could be SEVERE about Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, eastern Taupo, the ranges of Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne, and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay. Severe thunderstorms could bring localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h and hail. Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface or flash flooding and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous. Any thunderstorms that develop will be isolated. A Thunderstorm Watch means that the atmospheric ingredients for severe thunderstorms are present, we will be keeping a close eye on the radar and will issue warnings for any that develop. You can find the latest weather warnings from MetService here.
Wednesday, February 15
Today, MetService has said: Cyclone Gabrielle now lies well to the east of Gisborne and is continuing to move further away to the southeast, weakening as it goes. However, a front extending back from the cyclone is still bringing heavy rain to the northeastern parts of the South Island and southern parts of the North Island. This front spreads up the east coast of the North Island on Thursday and Friday and is likely to bring some more wet weather there. All Strong Wind Watches and Warnings have now been lifted. Heavy Rain Warnings are in force for Eastern Marlborough south of Ward, including the Kaikoura Coast, Canterbury north of Waiau, Wairarapa south of Masterton and the eastern hills of Wellington. And a Heavy Rain Watch is in force for Canterbury north of Methven. You can find the latest weather warnings from MetService here.
Tuesday, February 14
The New Zealand Government has today declared a National State of Emergency in response to Cyclone Gabrielle's journey across the country. The declaration will apply to the six regions that have already declared a local State of Emergency: Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Hawkes Bay. You can find the latest weather warnings from MetService here.
According to Civil Defence, Cyclone Gabrielle will impact most of the North Island. As it moves down the country it will bring severe gales, heavy rain and very large waves over many parts of the North Island.
This is an unprecedented and dangerous weather event. Stay safe. Do not take any chances.
Support For Those Affected By Cyclone Gabrielle
- Civil Defence Centres are open across affected regions for those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau. Please bring with you any essential items you may need, including medication, warm clothing, and baby items. You can find the location and updates from your local Civil Defence Group here.
- Healthcare services are continuing to provide care if you need it. All hospitals, including emergency departments remain open. If you are seriously unwell and need emergency care, please dial 111.
- If you're in Auckland and need support, go here for a comprehensive list of the help available including what to do if you've been flooded, traffic and travel updates, information for visitors, and financial support from Work and Income.
- For disabled whānau - Whaikaha the Ministry of Disabled People has advised that If you are impacted personally, please contact emergency services on 111. If you have difficulty hearing or talking on the phone, try the 111 TXT service to contact Fire, Ambulance or Police. Go here for more information.
It's important to look after your mental health and the well-being of those around you. Civil Defence recommends this DHB-recognised site's article for tips on getting enough sleep in challenging times. Here are some ideas on how to talk to kids about coping with natural disasters.
Most importantly, stay in touch with those around you as we weather the storm. Kia Kaha Aotearoa.
Image credit: Matthew Davison, MetService New Zealand.