Ex-tropical cyclone Gita has brought havoc to parts of New Zealand today as a state of emergency has been announced in Christchurch.

With the storm set to make landfall this evening, mayor Lianne Dalziel has declared a state of emergency in the city, which includes Banks Peninsula, due to the impact of the ex-tropical cyclone.

The latest forecast for the storm show that the Christchurch region is set for further heavy rainfall and strong winds, with Banks Peninsula expected to bear the brunt of the storm.

“The full impact of the storm will be felt overnight and tomorrow morning,” mayor Dalziel said.

“We are expecting homes to be flooded. If you are in a flood-prone area, particularly if your home was flooded, or close to flooding, in the July storm last year, you should consider evacuation before the worst of the storm hits tonight.”

The latest weather update from the Met Service forecasts Gita to move southeast across the top of the South Island later today with severe weather warning and watches for heavy rain and severe gales in force for many parts of central New Zealand.

A weather front also lies across Wellington and northern parts of the South island with a low risk of thunderstorms in those areas.

The storm has seen roads and schools closed in effected areas. In addition, Air New Zealand has cancelled all flights in and out of Wellington Hokitika, Nelson, New Plymouth and Queenstown, Stuff reports.

The storm is expected to bring gales of up to 150km/h and rainfall of up to 200mm as it continues its path.

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