Gabrielle

History

Severe Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle originated as a tropical low on 5–6 February 2023 in the northeastern Coral Sea, southeast of the Solomon Islands. It was named by the Bureau of Meteorology around 8 February as it tracked southwestward, and reached its peak intensity as a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone on 10 February, with 10-minute sustained winds of 150 km/h. The system then moved into the South Pacific basin and passed directly over Norfolk Island on 11 February before transitioning into a subtropical cyclone.

Norfolk Island experienced downed trees, power disruptions, minor roof damage, and the destruction of one building on nearby Phillip Island, though overall impacts there were described as manageable. In Vanuatu, landslides and floodwaters damaged homes, gardens, and water supplies in parts of Espiritu Santo. New Zealand bore the most severe consequences. Striking the North Island between 12 and 14 February 2023, Gabrielle caused catastrophic flooding, more than 140,000 landslides, and widespread wind damage. Over 225,000 homes lost power, roughly 10,000 people were displaced, and a national state of emergency was declared on 14 February. The cyclone directly killed 11 people in New Zealand, with the total death toll reaching 15 including indirect fatalities. Total damage across the region is estimated at NZ$14.5 billion, making Gabrielle the costliest tropical cyclone on record in the Southern Hemisphere and the deadliest weather event to strike New Zealand since Cyclone Giselle in 1968.

Sources: Bureau of Meteorology report Wikipedia