Cyclone Gabrielle was the second major weather event to slam New Zealand in a month, and the heavy rain, winds and storm surge are likely to make the storm the most impactful tropical system since the 1990s.
“New Zealand’s last significant tropical hit was with back-to-back cyclones, Fergus and Drena, in December of 1996 and January of 1997, respectively,” said AccuWeather Lead International Forecaster Jason Nicholls.
