By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.
Strong winds and rain have wreaked havoc across the North Island overnight and MetService is warning of further hazardous conditions as the remnants of Cyclone Dovi pass over New Zealand today.
Ex Cyclone Dovi as it approaches New Zealand on 13 February 2022. Photo: @Niwaweather
Police are urging motorists throughout New Zealand to avoid all non-essential travel, with many roads – including highways – closed by slips or flooding in both islands.
Power is out throughout much of Te Tai Tokerau from fallen lines and trees – with Top Energy listing 33 locations in the Far North a short time ago and North Power listing 18 locations around Kaipara and WhangÄrei.
MetService has 17 orange warnings and watches in places in the North Island for what it is now describing as an extra tropical low, and 11 for the Upper South Island.
Fire and Emergency have so far attended about 140 weather-related calls, including incidents where trees have fallen onto roads, roofs and power lines, roofing has lifted, and houses have been flooded.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge is now closed and lines company Vector is warning people could be without power for days if the weather gets as bad as predicted.
