Tropical Storms Threaten Australia, New Zealand's Coast This Week

Tropical storms named Cyclone Gabrielle and Cyclone Freddy are threatening the region surrounding Australia and New Zealand.

Meteorologists warned that the tropical cyclones are in addition to Tropical Storm Dingani, which was reportedly moving away from landmasses in the central Indian Ocean, according to AccuWeather.

Tropical Cyclone Alert

(Photo : Illustration by Japan Meteorological Agency via Getty Images)

AccuWeather forecasters clarified that the trio of storms make the Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season to be in full swing, affecting the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean.

However, no direct impact is expected to hit Australia.

Still, flood-stricken New Zealand is reportedly on alert as another round of inclement weather is on its way.

This comes after the state of New South Wales in Australia experienced flooding last week and also after New Zealand's biggest city suffered from massive flooding due to heavy rain.

Also Read: Two Tropical Cyclones Track in Australia; Flooding Rain to Unload in New Zealand, Queensland's Norfolk Island

Cyclone Gabrielle

Local authorities urged residents of Auckland on Sunday, February 12, to make preparations for a potential impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, currently downgraded to a sub-tropical low pressure system from a Category 2 cyclone, which hit Norfolk Island overnight on Saturday, February 11, Reuters reported.

The storm caused power outages and downed trees with no immediate reports of casualties.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins warned the public about severe winds and strong rainfall, as the storm has already caused damage to Norfolk Island, the media company Deutsche Welle reported.

In addition, airline company Air New Zealand issued the cancellation of all its domestic flights to and from Auckland until Tuesday noon, February 14.

Also referred to as a tropical rainstorm, Gabrielle navigated the region with destructive winds that missed the island before heading to an area 1,460 kilometers (910 miles) south of New Zealand.

The former cyclone struck North Island and its largest city from Sunday night.

Auckland was a site of large-scale devastation after torrential rain and flash flooding last month, leaving at least four people dead.

Severe Storm Warnings

The MetService, New Zealand's national meteorological service, as of Monday, February 13, stated Cyclone Gabrielle was approaching the upper North Island, where its impact was already felt across the northern parts of the island.

These weather hazards are expected to spread through the norther portion of the South Island on Monday and Tuesday.

The meteorological service warned that the storm system poses a "very high" risk of extreme, powerful, and unexpected weather in many regions of the North Island until Tuesday.

The weather agency urges the public to monitor local weather development from MetService forecasts and follow advice issued by local authorities.

In addition to the risk of torrential rain and floodwaters, agency issued severe storm warnings or severe weather warnings to the following areas until 9:00 p.m. local time on Monday:

•  Westland
•  Central Otago
•  Southern Lakes
•  Clutha
•  Southland
•  Fiordland

The warnings highlight the dangers posed by strong winds, lightning strikes, and potential tornadoes, which are common during a severe thunderstorm.

The said adverse weather is connected with the lingering system from Cyclone Gabrielle.

Related Article: Storm Alert: Nearly 20,000 Lightning Strikes Recorded in New Zealand Recently