As heavy rain continued to pelt New Zealand on Thursday, hundreds of people were forced to flee their homes from a storm that has already caused widespread disruptions. Several landslides, fallen trees, and floodwaters blocked highway access to residents in the northern part of North Island.

As heavy rain continued to pelt New Zealand on Thursday, more road closures and disruptions were caused by a storm that has already forced hundreds to evacuate. After landslides, fallen trees, and floodwaters blocked highway access to the northern part of North Island, residents found themselves isolated.

Some schools were closed, flights were canceled, and businesses were closed as a result of the stormy weather. A sailboat sank near Auckland and a home slipped down a gully in Tahunanui due to the storm. In Nelson, about 230 homes were evacuated after the Maitai River flooded Wednesday night.

Patrols were conducted overnight in the area by the military. As a result of the torrent that raged down her street, resident Robin Reichert said she was "utterly shocked."She said, "Within minutes, it will be a river.".

"That's how fast it happens." Another 160 homes in Westport were also temporarily evacuated, but residents later returned. As a result of flooding and landslides, many roads were closed across the country. The rain in the Buller region has been less than forecast, but more rain is on its way, Mayor Jamie Celine told reporters.

"I believe we have escaped relatively unscathed across the district," Celine said. It is relatively safe, if they feel OK, to head back to their properties today to check them out while we have this lull.''