New Zealand is bracing for damage from Cyclone Gita, which is forecast to make landfall near Wellington tonight, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and high seas to coastal areas in the country’s central regions.

The extreme conditions expected in New Zealand later today follow flooding and gales in the country two weeks ago caused by the remains of Tropical Cyclone Fehi.

Tropical Cyclone Gita formed north of Fiji early in February and caused extensive damage in Tonga last week before swinging south through the Coral Sea and curving towards central New Zealand.

“With the recent severe storm damage west coast residents have suffered, it’s really important they do all they can to make their homes safe and weather-tight,” Insurance Council of New Zealand CEO Tim Grafton said.

The MetService forecasts 100-120mm of rain may fall in the Wellington area over 24 hours, while central New Zealand could see landslips, flooding and damaging wind.

There is potential for coastal inundation due to high tides, low air pressure, strong onshore winds and waves above six metres, the MetService says.

In Australia, Cyclone Kelvin crossed the coast at Anna Plains, between Broome and Port Hedland in the northwest, as a Category 2 system early yesterday.

The Insurance Council of Australia says claims from the sparsely populated area – one of the most cyclone-prone regions in Australia – are expected to be minimal.