Preparing for Cyclone Gita: What you need to knowMetService MetService Cyclone Gita Severe Weather WarningCampers, trampers and boaties have been told to leave the Marlborough Sounds before Cyclone Gita hits and residents without supplies to last a few days should consider leaving the Sounds before Gita arrives. METSERVICE The latest Cyclone Gita tracking map, issued Monday morning, shows the storm moving across the top of the South Island when it hits. READ MORE:* Live: Gita nears NZ* Cyclone Gita: full coverage* New Zealand braces for Cyclone Gita, state of emergency considered* Gita has been around, in some form, for more than a fortnightSwells of over 6 metres at the top of the South Island were being predicted for 11pm Tuesday evening, according to MetService. RNZ Cyclone Gita is expected to move southeast across the upper South Island and lower North Island late on Tuesday and Wednesday bringing heavy rain and gales. RNZ Civil defence is warning people to prepare for power cuts, road closures and possible evacuation as Cyclone Gita approaches.

Source: Stuff February 18, 2018 19:36 UTC