Cyclone Gabrielle

The Australian territory of Norfolk Island was placed under a red alert as Gabrielle approached, with the center of the storm forecast to pass over or close to the island.[18] Australian military and emergency personnel were on standby ready to respond.[19] The Emergency Management Norfolk Island (EMNI) sent out a warning on Saturday afternoon, advising people to stay inside and announcing that most businesses would close.[20]

Multiple heavy rain and wind warnings were issued across the North Island of New Zealand as Gabrielle approached the country, including red heavy rain warnings in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Gisborne, and Hawke's Bay, and red wind warnings in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, and Taranaki.[21][22] During 9 February, states of emergency which were already in place in Auckland and the Coromandel as a result of earlier floods were extended in anticipation of Gabrielle's arrival,[23][24] while a precautionary state of emergency was declared in Northland on 12 February.[25] Many residents across the upper North Island who had been impacted by earlier flooding events prepared themselves highly for the cyclone, while emergency services were on high alert.[26] Residents were warned that power cuts were likely and suggested people withdraw some cash.[27]

People were encouraged to have three days of supplies.[28] Air New Zealand cancelled many domestic and international flights as the cyclone approached, while Bluebridge and Interislander cancelled ferry crossings across the Cook Strait.[21][29] The Ministry of Education advised Auckland schools to close, but the decision remained with individual boards of trustees.[30] All schools in Taranaki were closed on 14 February.[31] Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said citizens of the nation should take the severe weather warning seriously and make sure they are prepared.[32] Some authorities compared the likely impact of Gabrielle with the effects of 2018's Cyclone Hola and 1988's devastating Cyclone Bola.[33]

During 11 February, Gabrielle passed directly over Norfolk Island.[34] Although the cyclone brought down trees and disrupted power, there were no reports of significant damage.[35]

Subtropical Cyclone Gabrielle on 12 February

MetService reported that the cyclone brought gale-force winds to the North Island.[36] During 12 February, areas of the upper North Island began experiencing widespread power outages and property damage as the outer edges of the cyclone impacted the country,[25] with over 250,000 homes losing power across the North Island as the cyclone worsened through 13 and 14 February.[37] Transpower declared a grid emergency on 14 February after Hawke's Bay and Gisborne lost phone coverage, internet coverage, and electricity.[38] Severe flooding occurred as the cyclone impacted the country,[39] while some buildings had their roofs torn off in the wind or were damaged by landslides.[29][39] Multiple roads across the North Island were closed as a result of flooding and high winds, including Auckland Harbour Bridge.[21] Hundreds of people across the North Island were mandatorily evacuated, while hundreds more self-evacuated.[39] Two people went missing at sea near Great Barrier Island and Northland, who were both later found.[40] A firefighter died after being caught in a landslide in Muriwai.[41] Two others were found dead in Hawke's Bay.[42] Chris Hipkins announced on 13 February that the Government would provide NZ$11.5 million to support the community response to the cyclone.[22]

In addition to the states of emergency in place in Auckland, Northland, and Thames-Coromandel, additional regional states of emergency were declared in Gisborne, the Bay of Plenty, and Waikato on 13 February, with local states of emergency being declared in the Waikato, Hauraki, Whakatāne, and Ōpōtiki Districts.[22] A regional state of emergency was declared in Hawke's Bay on 14 February, with local states of emergency being declared in the Napier, Hastings, and Tararua Districts,[39] before a national state of emergency was declared for only the third time in New Zealand's history later in the day.[43] Sittings of the House of Representatives were adjourned for a week.[44]

In Hawke's Bay, power, phone service and internet access was cut to over 16,000 properties when the main Redcliffe substation was damaged after the Tūtaekurī River burst its banks.[45] Downstream, 1,000 people were evacuated from low lying plains surrounding the river, where significant parts of Taradale, Meeanee, and Awatoto were submerged.[45] Floodwaters destroyed 4 bridges, including Redcliffe Bridge, a major crossing just south of Taradale.[46] The Ngaruroro River burst its banks, flooding the town of Omahu where 20 people required evacuation via helicopter.[46] In Wairoa, the Wairoa River burst its banks, flooding approximately 15 percent of the town.[45] Access to Wairoa was cut off after extensive damage on SH2's Mohaka River Bridge in the south, and landslides to the north.[45] Water supply in Central Hawke's Bay failed, and a mandatory evacuation was ordered for eastern Waipawa after the Waipawa River rose to record levels.[45][46]

In Vanuatu, Malpoi, a village in the northwest of Santo Island, was severely impacted with landslides, mud, and destruction of houses and gardens.[47] The water supply was also contaminated.[47] In New Caledonia, the cyclone was threatened with strong swell warnings in place for 16 district, 14 boats were damaged and one sunk due to wind and swells, leading to an evacuation plan for the damaged ships.[47]