New Zealand is bracing for a fierce encounter with Cyclone Fili, with gales of up to 140km/h forecast, prompting a rare red rain warning from meteorologists.
Fili reached peak intensity as a category two storm while off the western coast of New Caledonia days ago, downgrading to a tropical low.
However, New Zealand's MetService says conditions will worsen over Tuesday and Wednesday, when the cyclone is expected to affect the New Zealand mainland.
Tracking maps predict Fili will brush along the east of Northland, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty before colliding with the Tairawhiti region around East Cape.
Tairawhiti, one of New Zealand's least developed and most remote regions, has already suffered two major floods this year, forcing landslips and cutting off some communities with bridges washed away.
Forecasters predict up to 300mm of rain for the region, and up to 350mm for the Wairoa district just to the south - with hourly rates of up to 50mm.
That has prompted a red warning, used sparingly for only the most destructive weather events, requiring Kiwis to act immediately to protect people, animals and property.
"This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding," the MetService said.
"Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities."
Australian Associated Press
