New Zealand has declared a seven day state of emergency as it prepares for the arrival of Cyclone Gabrielle.
One of the most serious storms to affect New Zealand for many years is reported to be closing in on the country, just days after floods struck the antipodean islands.
Named Cyclone Gabrielle, experts fear it could unleash gusts of up to 155kmph (96mph), accompanied by nearly 16 inches (400mm) of rainfall. The country's civil defence's emergency management team early this morning (Sunday, Feb 12) issued an EMA — an Emergency Mobile Alert — in preparation for Cyclone Gabrielle, warning recipients on their phones to take any message from them seriously and to follow any instructions given.
EMAs are targeted on areas affected by serious hazards and are only sent if there is a serious threat to life, health or property.
It later declared a state of emergency for Northland as part of the regional response to Cyclone Gabrielle, for an initial period of seven days.
Civil Defence Groups say they are closely monitoring Cyclone Gabrielle as it heads south. Recipients were also told that the alerts did not replace other warning systems, or natural warnings. "Floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater," the authority advised.
The storm was due to land around the time England's cricket team were due to make a 90-minute journey from Hamilton to the coastal city of Mount Maunganui, where Thursday’s series opener against the Black Caps was due. Team members are said to be keeping abreast of developments.
England’s planned training sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were already in doubt, and when the squad visited the ground last week they made use of an indoor marquee which shielded them from the elements. However, that may not be available in the high winds.
MetService, the country's national weather forecaster, issued warnings focused on Auckland. Only two weeks ago New Zealand's largest city was deluged with record rainfall, flash flooding and landslides that resulted in the deaths of four people. Other parts of North Island were similarly affected.
The cyclone has been given category 3 status and was heading southeast from Norfolk Island, Australis. MetService said wind and rain would start to spread across New Zealand, with Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of North Island, recording 133kmph gusts at 5pm on Saturday (GMT).
It added that Auckland was likely to be hit by strong winds at nightfall, with possibly worse to come on Monday and Tuesday. Metservice said: "This is expected to be a widespread and extreme weather event. Very heavy rain, damaging winds and large waves are forecast for many parts of northern and central New Zealand."
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Air New Zealand was reported to have cancelled several flights from North Island with more to follow up until Tuesday. Red warnings for heavy rain were in force for the Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne, north of Tolaga Bay on North Island.
The National Emergency Management Agency warned all citizens to prepare for power cuts and road closures and even be ready to act quickly in the event an evacuation order was issued.
Amid reports of queues at supermarkets and empty shelves, government officials warned residents to be mindful of others when getting supplies. Sandbags were said to be in short supply. RNZ, New Zealand's public broadcaster, reported that Desley Simpson, Auckland's deputy mayor, had urged citizens to have emergency plans and supplies in place by today (Sunday).
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