Tropical Cyclone Lola Remnants Lurk Around North Island of New Zealand

High tide brings large waves and erosion of sand dunes at Omaha Beach in Auckland, New Zealand, on Oct. 30, 2023. (Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

The remnants of tropical cyclone Lola have struck New Zealand, causing strong winds, heavy rain, power to go out and schools to close.

Meteorological Service of New Zealand issued a severe weather forecast in the morning on Oct. 30, advising of strong winds, heavy rain, and risk of thunderstorms.

“Along with the wind, large swell will make for hazardous coastal conditions around eastern areas of the North Island,” the MetService said on X.

The wild whether caused thousands of homes to lose power on the North Island and roads and schools to close in some regions.

Ferry services were cancelled and replaced with buses in Auckland, including the Pine Harbour ferry service, Auckland Transport said.

Waves crash over walkways at Matheson Bay in Auckland, New Zealand, on Oct. 30, 2023. (Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

The Port of Auckland closed, in the morning, with the Majestic Princess waiting at Rangitoto Island for the port to open again.

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“Due to the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Lola causing strong winds in Auckland, New Zealand the Port of Auckland is currently closed,” Majestic Princess posted on social media.

“The Majestic Princess is currently anchored off Rangitoto Island while she waits for the port to re-open.”

Top Energy is reporting eight power outages at the time of writing North Power has 11 active outages on the North Island.

Warnings remained in place for Northland, the Coromandel peninsula, Auckland and sections of Gisborne Tai Rawhiti, radio New Zealand reported at 10:58 a.m. local time on Oct. 30.

Mayor of Whangarei Vince Cocurullo posted to Facebook that some Whangarei roads closed due to surface flooding.

“The storm is starting to move south and we have past the high tide point,” he said on Facebook.

“It looks like high winds are now affecting Auckland, so if you are flying please keep update with the airline that you are flying with, as plans may change.”

Support for Vanuatu

The wild weather follows Tropical Cyclone Lola hitting Vanuatu on Oct. 25, leaving at least two people dead.

The Australian Government has provided at least $800,000 (US$508,000) to support Vanuatu’s response to the cyclone, supporting communities with shelter, water purification supplies, and essential items.

International Development Minister Pat Conroy said Australia is proud to be a longstanding partner in the Pacific.

“We know it’s crucial to move quickly to help our partners respond, to minimise the long-term impacts,” Mr. Conroy said.

“Working closely with partners through mechanisms like the Australian Humanitarian Partnership and the FRANZ arrangement ensures our efforts are well coordinated and deliver support efficiently to those most in need.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong also offered her thoughts to those living in communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Lola, noting it was the third tropical cyclone experienced in the region in a year.

She said in times of crisis, the people and Governments in the Pacific can always rely on Australia to help with the response.

The Royal Australia Air Force will support Vanuatu and Samoa with aerial assessments of the damage and delivery of humanitarian aid.