Cyclone Gabrielle wreaks havoc across New Zealand’s North Island as evacuations continue

Worst of the storm could coincide with Monday’s midnight high tide, with people in some coastal communities and low-lying areas urged to leave

New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins has warned the worst is yet to come as Cyclone Gabrielle sparks evacuations, rising flood waters and power outages across the North Island.

“Things are likely to get worse before they get better,” Hipkins said. “Extreme weather event has come on the back of extreme weather event.”