Cyclone Ula will likely be downgraded to a tropical storm by this afternoon as its first effects start to hit New Zealand.
The storm is moving south towards New Zealand from Vanuatu, leaving the small island with minimal damage.
There were fears Ula would wreak the same havoc as Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu, but the worst of the storm has bypassed the island nation.
Tropical Cyclone Ula is expected to continue moving south today and should exit the tropics tonight, reported MetService.