[News] New Zealand braces for severe storm Gabrielle after record floods

[[Depo] @ Cselites.com]

Thousands of people in New Zealand have been left without power as parts of the country endure the start of a severe storm.

Gabrielle buffeted Australia's Norfolk Island overnight and has begun to lash the northernmost region of New Zealand.

Forecasters have issued "red" heavy wind and rain warnings for Auckland and Northland with 200mm of rain and winds of up to 130kph (80mph) expected.

Evacuation centres have been set up and residents have been preparing.

They have been told to ensure they have enough supplies to last three days in case they are trapped at home.

The storm - which has been downgraded from a cyclone - comes weeks after torrential rain inundated the city of Auckland., which remains under a state of emergency.

Tens of thousands of sandbags have been distributed there due to concerns the sodden ground and weakened infrastructure have made homes more vulnerable to flooding.

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64608532