Cyclone Gita remains a Category 2 tropical storm in the Tasman Sea, it’s a long way south for a tropical cyclone and shows little signs of weakening very much as it makes landfall in New Zealand on Tuesday evening.

Gita will likely be equal to a higher end Cat 1 tropical cyclone as makes landfall, we think around the north western corner of the South Island.

Severe winds could be damaging and destructive within 200kms of the centre of the storm. However peak winds will ease fairly quickly into Wednesday morning – meaning not everyone will be affected.

Torrential rain will also be an issue and could lead to flooding in the upper South Island and some eastern and central areas too.

Wellington is also exposed to heavy rain tonight and across Tuesday.

Here’s the latest tracking and maps as of Monday afternoon New Zealand Time. Please note this could still change. For more details please keep visiting our website/app news feed, plus the latest warnings and watches from Government Agency, MetService.