New Zealand Issues Red Alert for Some Areas as Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle Approaches

Vector staff work to repair damage after a slip claimed a power pole on Tinopai Rd in Titirangi in Auckland, New Zealand, on Jan. 30, 2023. Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

New Zealand on Friday issued a red alert in the Coromandel Peninsula and northern Gisborne as Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle approaches with heavy rain and gales, just two weeks after Auckland was hit with record rainfall.

The New Zealand MetService said the cyclone is currently located in the north Tasman Sea and is expected to reach the northern parts of New Zealand on Sunday before spreading southward on Tuesday.