The West Coast was heading into lockdown this afternoon as ex-tropical Cyclone Gita bore down, with fearsome winds putting residents on edge. West Coast mayors met with civil defence twice this morning, but delayed declaring a state of emergency as they waited to see the latest projections and potential impact. Schools from Karamea to Haast were closed today and tomorrow. The first rain and winds of the cyclone landed on cue at midday, with the stormy weather expected to last until about midnight. The Tranz Alpine tourist train was cancelled today and tomorrow affecting about 1400 passengers, while Air New Zealand cancelled all flights into Hokitika.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 19, 2018 20:03 UTC