The storm, which has pummeled Tonga and Fiji, is expected to enter New Zealand on Tuesday.

Keeping in mind the lurking danger, schools have remained shut.

However, the storm has downgraded significantly, though residents have been told to brace for  floods and winds of up to 150km/h.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said, "The full impact of the storm will be felt overnight and tomorrow morning."

In Tonga, the storm was categorised as a cyclone and inflicted severe damage.

It was deemed the worst cyclone to hit the country in six decades.

Image: twitter.com/metofficestorms