Local states of emergency are in place and some people are cut off after Cyclone Gita swept through. Here is everything you need to know about your region.
In the early hours after the storm hit the West Coast overnight, Westport is relatively quiet with occassional gusts blowing through. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
MetService says the very worst of the weather is likely over, with the storm having moved east of Banks Peninsula. Conditions are expected to ease as it moves away.
Key info around the country:
- Check the latest information in our live blog
- And get the full picture with our wrap of what happened overnight
- Check NZTA's website for the latest road closures. People in affected areas should avoid travelling if possible.
- Nearly 200 schools closed or finished early yesterday. Check with your school if it may have been affected.
- Strong winds are expected to continue in the central North Island, Wellington, Marlborough, the Kaikōura Coast, Buller, Westland and Canterbury into the morning.
- Flights were shut down at several airports yesterday. Check
- A guide on how to deal with flooding in your home.
- Check MetService for official weather and tides information.
Air New Zealand or with your airline to see if your flight is affected.
West Coast
- States of emergency in place in Grey District, Westland and Buller state of emergency has been lifted.
- Almost 200 tourists spent the night in their vehicles or in welfare centres.
- State Highway 73 near Kumara Junction closed.
- Westport harbour to be reassessed to see if it will reopen.
- Granity: About 20 residents were evacuated from their homes overnight.
- Whataroa: 42 tourists spent the night in vehicles, 25 in the town's welfare centre.
Nelson and Tasman
- About 5000 people in Golden Bay and Collingwood have been cut off.
- State Highway 60 closed in three places after slips on Takaka Hill Road.
- Areas between Kina and Takaka, including Kaiteriteri, had power cuts.
- Localised flooding in Motueka, Takaka and Marahau, significant flooding in the Riwaka Plains.
- Kaiteriteri: Pumping station has lost electrical supply. People told to conserve water.
- Hundreds of evacuated residents in Nelson and Tasman are being told they can go home if they feel safe to do so.
- Welfare centres are operating in Motueka, Marahau, Collingwood, and in Nelson at the Salvation Army Hall.
- 53 people at Motueka Welfare centre.
- 80 people who were at Takaka Welfare Centre being escorted home.
Kaikōura
- Completely cut off - SH1 closed north and south, Inland Route also closed.
- Nearly 200mm rain fell by 8pm Tuesday.
Christchurch
- Two roads closed overnight due to flooding.
- Many chose to evacuate their homes after warnings that Heathcote River could flood.
- Less rain than expected meant the city escaped the worst during high tide overnight.
- Check the city council website for updates.
Taranaki
- Up to 26,000 people lost power overnight
- A tree fell on a car and a truck tipped on its side, the drivers were relatively unscathed
- Residents in New Plymouth, Bell Block, Waitara, Tikorangi, Onaero and Urenui asked to conserve water after a tree damaged a pipe across a main bridge
- Power outage affecting cellphone and landline coverage in South Taranaki.
- Many schools throughout Taranaki closed.
Wellington region
- SH1 between Pukerua Bay and Paekākāriki is open to one lane after flooding and damage closed it overnight
- Most flights are scheduled to continue today after the airport was shut down yesterday from 2.45pm.