Category three is the first of three severe tropical cyclone categories, on a five-level scale, reserved for weather systems with top wind speeds over 117km/h.
A cyclone watch has been declared for the island, with the Bureau of Meteorology saying Gabrielle is headed toward it, with a peak wind speed of 120km/h this morning.
It’s expected to make landfall tomorrow.
When it does, it will drop to a category two weather system, but will still cause destructive gale-force winds, abnormally high tides and heavy rain.
There is still uncertainty about the direction of the cyclone, the forecast suggesting it could transition into a strong extra-tropical cyclone, bringing severe weather to New Zealand’s North Island from Sunday.
A hazardous surf warning is in place from the Capricorinia coast down to the Gold Coast.
It comes after a sudden storm hit the New South Wales coast yesterday, cutting off roads and leaving drivers stranded.
The South Coast was hit first, followed by Illawarra and then Sydney.
The SES responded to more than 1600 calls for help and carried out 65 flood rescues, as drivers continue to dare flooded roads.
There’s more rain forecast for today, though it’s hoped it won’t be as heavy.
