Warnings issued as tail end of former Cyclone Ita strikes New Zealand
theweathernetwork.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014, 12:32 PM -
What remains of Cyclone Ita continues to wreak havoc in New Zealand.
Auckland Transport says strong winds and torrential rain is making for dangerous conditions and drivers are being urged to avoid any unnecessary travel.
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Landslides, flooding and downed trees have been reported, prompting road closures and leaving thousands without power.
"Cars are not lifeboats," officials warn. "If you come across severe flooding you should resist the temptation to try and drive through, even in large four wheel drive vehicles."
Any one leave a silver 4 wheel drive on Tamaki drive? pic.twitter.com/kZHAdCddRr
— Jessica (@FromAQuasar) April 16, 2014
According to the MetService, wind gusts over 100 km/h were reported at the Harbour Bridge Thursday.
The winds have since eased slightly, but residents in Wellington are being told to prepare for severe weather as the tail end of the storm moves further south through the overnight hours.
"A deep low lying west of the North Island is expected to move slowly south tonight and Friday and gradually weaken," the MetService says. "Severe easterly gales about western parts of central New Zealand, including Wellington, Nelson, Buller and Westland are expected to gradually ease from the north tonight and early Friday morning. Gusts of 110 to 140 km/h are likely in exposed parts of these areas until early Friday morning, which have the potential to damage trees, powerlines and unsecure structures, and make driving hazardous."
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More heavy rain is also expected for northern and eastern parts of the South Island through Friday.
"People in these areas are advised to watch out for rapidly rising streams and rivers, surface flooding, slips and hazardous driving conditions," the MetService adds.
Officials have arrived - also I can't find @KeriHenare pic.twitter.com/0VHvqpbBoh
— Jessica (@FromAQuasar) April 16, 2014
