Strong winds forecast as Gita hits NZ

A strong wind watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty as Cyclone Gita bears down on New Zealand.

Cyclone Gita, currently located over the Tasman Sea, is forecast to track southeastwards and cross central New Zealand late Tuesday and early Wednesday.

The passage of Gita is expected to bring a period of high-impact severe weather to many parts of central New Zealand, says the MetService.

"Heavy rain will cause slips, rapidly rising streams and rivers, and flooding.Severe gales with damaging gusts are expected, so people are advised to secure property and items that may be blown away by strong winds.

"There is also the potential for coastal inundation with high tide overnight Tuesday and before dawn on Wednesday, due to the combination of tides, low air-pressure, strong onshore winds and large waves in excess of 6 metres in some places.

"For the North Island, coastal areas from Raglan southwards to southern Wairarapa are most at risk.

"For the South Island, the risk of coastal inundation is greatest for areas from Buller and North Canterbury northwards."

HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Area: Horowhenua/Kapiti and the Tararua Range

Valid: 24 hours from 1am Tuesday to 1am Wednesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Canterbury Plains including Christchurch and Banks Peninsula, also North Otago

Valid: 15 hours from 1pm Tuesday to 4am Wednesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

STRONG WIND WATCH

Area: Northland, Auckland including Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui and Taupo

Valid: 6 hours from 1pm to 7pm Tuesday

Forecast: Northwesterlies may rise to severe gale in exposed places for a time.

Area: Bay Of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay

Valid: 9 hours from 6pm Tuesday to 3am Wednesday

Forecast: Northwest winds may rise to severe gale in exposed places for a time.

Area: Manawatu, Kapiti-Horowhenua, Wellington and Wairarapa including the Tararua District

Valid: 8 hours from 7pm Tuesday to 3am Wednesday

Forecast: Northwesterlies may rise to severe gale in exposed places for a time.

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