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Cyclone Cook: New Zealanders flee ahead of huge storm
Heavy rain has begun to hit New Zealand's North Island, ahead of what is being called the worst storm in generations.
New Zealanders have evacuated towns along the north coast, where severe weather warnings are in place.
The storm is due to make landfall from 19:00 local time (07:00GMT) over Bay of Plenty. Officials have warned of high waves, storm surges and landslides.
It is then expected to move to the South Island early on Friday.
It comes after severe floods caused by the remnants of Cyclone Debbie hit some parts of the country last week.
The storm - expected to bring torrential rain and winds gusting at up to 150km/h (93mph) - has been classified as an extra-tropical cyclone.
That means it has changed into a different kind of weather system on approach to New Zealand, but has not necessarily weakened or been downgraded, according to the New Zealand MetService.
Parts of New Zealand's North Island are now under a state of emergency, with residents in the low-lying parts of Coromandel, which has already seen landslips and closed roads, being told to leave immediately.
etc...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39585868
Heavy rain has begun to hit New Zealand's North Island, ahead of what is being called the worst storm in generations.
New Zealanders have evacuated towns along the north coast, where severe weather warnings are in place.
The storm is due to make landfall from 19:00 local time (07:00GMT) over Bay of Plenty. Officials have warned of high waves, storm surges and landslides.
It is then expected to move to the South Island early on Friday.
It comes after severe floods caused by the remnants of Cyclone Debbie hit some parts of the country last week.
The storm - expected to bring torrential rain and winds gusting at up to 150km/h (93mph) - has been classified as an extra-tropical cyclone.
That means it has changed into a different kind of weather system on approach to New Zealand, but has not necessarily weakened or been downgraded, according to the New Zealand MetService.
Parts of New Zealand's North Island are now under a state of emergency, with residents in the low-lying parts of Coromandel, which has already seen landslips and closed roads, being told to leave immediately.
etc...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39585868