ALBAWABA - New Zealand is gearing up to confront a massive flood linked to Cyclone Gabrielle, especially as it began to show effect on its northern part on Sunday.
Up to 250 millimeters of rain is expected in Auckland city in the North Island of New Zealand, on Monday. Wind gusts of up to 130 kilometers per hour are also expected.
?Severe Weather Warning Update
— MetService (@MetService) February 12, 2023
Heavy rain, gales and large swells.
Severe Weather Warnings cover the North Island heading into Monday.
On the South Island, Warnings for wind and rain have been issued for the top of the Island.
For the latest info: https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5 pic.twitter.com/ZTkmOpq9Et
Accordingly, Air New Zealand, New Zealand's national airline, announced on Sunday the cancellation of dozens of flights to and from Auckland until midday on Tuesday, while schools and universities were closed.
Authorities informed citizens that they would receive a three-day supply of food in case they were trapped in their homes, in addition, shelters were prepared to evacuate the residents, if needed.
Hurricane #Gabrielle is approaching #NewZealand on Sunday and 15000 homes experienced power outages. Residents in #NorthIsland are advised to stay at home as rainstorms are intensifying.
Video: Gabrielle captured on camera from the northern most tip of North Island#Nature pic.twitter.com/dEsRzYg3xA— Media Warrior (@MediaWarriorY) February 12, 2023
In the midst of citizens' preparations for the severe storm, photos circulated on social media showed long lines in stores, where the shelves were completely empty of goods.
Aucklanders are racing to fill their trolleys at local supermarkets as they prepare for Cyclone Gabrielle to hit North Island tomorrow.
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) February 12, 2023
It comes after New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins encouraged residents to stock up with essentials as the storm tracks closer.#9News pic.twitter.com/lZvm84sDJT
The storm comes after weeks of heavy rains in Auckland, where Gabriel is expected to bring strong winds and more torrential rain.
Gabriel was downgraded from a category three storm to a category two, meaning less solid and destructive winds are now supposed to blow.
Meteorologists, however, warned that the winds will remain strong and capable of destroying trees and power lines and that heavy rains may cause more floods and landslides in the coming days.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins sent a message to residents across the country that they should take weather warnings seriously and make sure to follow the guidance that is issued.
