Cyclone Gita has forced emergency services in New Zealand to issue evacuation warnings as 90mph winds hit the island.
Six regions of the country including Christchurch have already issued a state of emergency.
Air New Zealand grounded all flights to the capital city of Wellington at 2.45pm (1.45am GMT) as heavy winds and rain cause dangerous travel chaos.
Met Office images tracking Cyclone Gita show Wellington bearing the brunt of the storm.
The devastating category four storm destroyed Tonga last week leaving thousands fleeing their homes.