Cyclone Gabrielle: Auckland at a standstill as storm emergency grows in New Zealand’s North Island – live

Severe weather warnings in place as damaging storm causes wind gusts up to 160km/h

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

Rain and wind expected to intensify

The approach of Cyclone Gabrielle is bringing particularly strong winds, heavy rain and huge swells to Auckland and nearby regions.

The impact of Gabrielle is still in its early stages and further serious and severe weather is still expected for Tmaki Makaurau (Auckland) later today into Tuesday morning.

Now is not the time for complacency.