Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle was still a severe category 3 storm at the time of this update – but is now a Category 2 cyclone, as it continues to track towards the northern side of the North Island.

There is little difference between a low end Category 3 cyclone and a high end Category 2. On Sunday Gabrielle will lose it’s tropical cyclone status, as it becomes extra-tropical. It is still expected to retain Category 2 equivalence strength near the centre as it passes by NZ on Monday night/Tuesday.

The storm is expected to bring 150 – 300mm across a large portion of the northern and eastern sides of the North Island, and some hilly areas may receive well over 400mm, especially if Gabrielle slows down.

We have the latest tracking and outlook for NZ through until Thursday.

Please stay up to date with MetService warnings: https://www.weatherwatch.co.nz/maps-radars/warnings/metservice

And our websites RuralWeather.co.nz and WeatherWatch.co.nz

Our next video update will likely be around lunchtime on Sunday.