New Zealand is making preparations for a severe storm that could hit areas of the country that have already been devastated by deadly flooding.
From Saturday night, Cyclone Gabrielle is anticipated to make landfall on the nation's North Island, where it could bring additional heavy rain and strong winds.
To prepare for the possibility of being stranded at home for three days, residents have been advised to gather enough supplies.
A few weeks have passed since Auckland was inundated by torrential rain.
Concerns that the weakened infrastructure and soggy ground have made homes more susceptible to flooding have led to the distribution of tens of thousands of sandbags there.
On social media, images and videos showed long lines at supermarkets and empty shelves as people got ready for more severe weather.
The national airline, Air New Zealand, has canceled a number of domestic flights before the cyclone hits.
Northland, New Zealand's northernmost region, has reportedly already started to experience strong winds, according to local media.
Gabrielle, a cyclone, has been downgraded from a category three storm to a category two storm, meaning less powerful winds are now anticipated.
Forecasters have cautioned that, in the coming days, there may be enough rain to cause additional flooding and landslides as well as strong enough winds to harm trees and power lines.
The two areas under the most severe weather warning are the Coromandel Peninsula and the Tairwhiti/Gisborne region, both of which were impacted by the recent torrential rain.
It has been advised to get ready to evacuate for those who live in flood-prone areas.
Cyclone Gabrielle, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, is to blame for the deteriorating weather on the isolated island nation of Norfolk Island.
It has also been declared a red alert for the island, which is located north of New Zealand. A warning has been issued to the populace to stay inside and seek cover under the strongest part of their buildings.
Only three cyclones have passed within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of the island in the previous 30 to 40 years.
