A state of emergency has been declared in some parts of New Zealand as ex-Cyclone Gita moves across the country, bringing with her widespread flooding and strong winds.
Yesterday afternoon Air New Zealand said it was anticipating “major disruptions” to flights across the lower North Island and South Island.
This morning Air New Zealand cancelled flights out of Wellington Airpot to both Sydney and Melbourne following major disruptions to flights yesterday afternoon.
More information about Air New Zealand flight cancellations can be found here HERE.
⚠️ Cyclone Gita update: Weather conditions are forecast to deteriorate from midday. We are anticipating major disruptions across the lower North Island and South Island this afternoon. Keep updated ???? https://t.co/WJhnWODV7r
— Air New Zealand✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) February 19, 2018
According to Radio New Zealand, Taranaki, Nelson Tasman, Grey and Welwyn are still under a state of emergency this morning as a result of widespread flooding and disruption.
Also in the South Island, up to 200 tourists are still trapped in south Westland after spending the night in their buses or in welfare centres after State Highway 6 was closed.
Just sticks and stones hiffed on the sea wall by Tangaroa. Hope you were as lucky. Kapiti #CycloneGita pic.twitter.com/par7OBl8fM — Gavin Mouldey (@dittybox) February 20, 2018
There were significant wave heights of around nine metres recorded off the Taranaki coast and a heavy southeast swell is expected along the Kaikoura, Canterbury and Otago coast today.
MetService said the very worst of the weather was likely over, and conditions were expected to ease as Gita moves away today. Cyclone Gita hit the Fiji and Tonga last week and while Fiji escaped relatively unscathed Tonga was not so lucky.
Image credit: ABC
Smartraveller has released a statement overnight asking Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Tonga due to the widespread damage caused by Cyclone Gita.
The Tongan government has declared a state of emergency and a curfew is in place for the centre of Nuku’alofa. Essential services such as water, power and telecommunications are still being restored.
READ: Tropical Cyclone Gita batters Tonga, heads for Fiji
READ: 5 reasons to visit Tonga on a chartered yacht