15 Feb 2023 | 03:10 AM UTC
New Zealand: Disruptions ongoing across northern and central regions as of Feb. 15 following passage of Former Cyclone Gabrielle /update 4
Disruptions ongoing across northern, central New Zealand as of Feb. 15 following passage of Former Cyclone Gabrielle. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Disruptions are ongoing across northern and central New Zealand as of Feb. 15 following passage of Former Cyclone Gabrielle. Gabrielle, located well to the east of Gisborne, is forecast to continue tracking away to the southeast of New Zealand. The severe weather has eased in most areas but heavy rain is likely to continue to impact parts of central New Zealand through the evening of Feb. 16. Large waves continue to affect the eastern parts of the country through Feb. 15.
As of Feb. 15, the Meteorological Service of New Zealand (MetService) had issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Orange (the middle level on a three-tier scale) Heavy Rain Warnings: Eastern Marlborough south of Ward including the Kaikoura Coast, Canterbury north of Waiau, Wairarapa south of Masterton, and the eastern hills of Wellington.
Yellow Heavy Rain Watches: Canterbury north of Methven.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
As of Feb. 15, officials have declared a national state of emergency; the declaration applies in regions that have declared local states of emergency, including Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Northland, Tairawhiti, and Waikato, as well as the Tararua District. Reports indicate at least three fatalities; one death in Auckland and two other deaths in Hawke’s Bay. The death toll may rise as links are re-established with remote towns cut off by the storm.
Several previously evacuated communities have been allowed to return home after the severe weather conditions eased and floodwaters receded. Some communities remain displaced due to flooding, damage, and rising river levels. Authorities have stated that around 11,500 people remain displaced or under evacuation orders; the Hawke’s Bay region was the hardest hit, with more than 9,000 people displaced. A full assessment is impossible due to blocked communication lines and access. Multiple communities have been cut off by the storm, including Wairoa in northern Hawke’s Bay and some Tairawhiti and Northland communities.
Drinking water supply in Hawke’s Bay in the towns of Waipukurau, Waipawa, and Otane has been inundated by floodwaters. Residents are advised to boil the water before using it. Tairawhiti's water supply is in a crisis situation and a level 4 water restriction is in place; water should be used for hygiene and drinking uses only. Parts of North Island remain without stable mobile and wi-fi connections, including Tairawhiti and Hawke’s Bay. More than 145,000 people were without power across the North Island as of early Feb. 15. Power outages may continue for days to weeks. Residents are requested to conserve water and food due to fears of shortages.
Air New Zealand (NZ) resumed flights to all airports Feb. 15 after 821 flights were canceled Feb. 12-14; more than 49,000 customers were affected. Additional flight disruptions are likely as airlines work to clear backlogs. Multiple state highways across the North Island are closed due to severe weather, flooding, and landslides. For more information on the latest situation regarding road closures, click here.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Additional power outages are possible in areas impacted by the weather system.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. The disruptive weather may cause additional delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas subject to heavy rainfall and track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after weather conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast or reported. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
