NZ readies for cyclone

WELLINGTON, the Nelson Tasman region and the West Coast are being warned to get ready for Cyclone Gita, which is expected to “pack a punch” when it hits New Zealand today.

The cyclone is expected to approach from the northwest as it transforms into an extratropical cyclone today or tomorrow, the country’s MetService says.

Waves in excess of 6m could hit because of a high tide overnight tomorrow causing coastal inundation, while heavy rain will cause rising rivers and flooding.