Wellington: Powerful winds and relentless rain swept across New Zealand on Thursday, forcing school closures, halting flights, and prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency in parts of the South Island. The capital, Wellington, bore the brunt of the storm with the strongest winds recorded in more than a decade.
According to the national weather agency, average wind speeds in Wellington reached up to 87 kilometres per hour (54 mph)—the highest since 2013. Gusts in Baring Head, a coastal area just south of the capital, soared to 160 kilometres per hour, prompting the issuance of a red wind warning—the most severe level available.
“This is certainly bigger than your average bad Wellington day,” said Dan Neely, spokesperson for the Wellington region’s emergency management department.
Neely reported multiple road closures across the region due to hazardous conditions. Coastal roads were particularly affected, with large waves breaching sea walls and flinging debris onto the asphalt. Residents were advised to remain indoors, secure any outdoor items such as garden furniture and trampolines, and avoid unnecessary travel.
By the afternoon, operations at Wellington International Airport were suspended, with numerous flights grounded due to safety concerns. Additionally, the inter-island ferry service connecting New Zealand’s North and South Islands was cancelled.
Local educational institutions, including several schools and Victoria University of Wellington, announced closures for the day in response to the extreme weather.
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Government forecaster MetService warned that the gale-force winds in Wellington were expected to persist into the early hours of Friday. Meanwhile, in the South Island’s Canterbury region, the focus shifted to heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding.
The central Selwyn District was among the worst affected, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency after rising river levels posed a significant risk to communities. Sandbags were distributed across vulnerable areas, and residents were urged to reduce water usage.
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District Mayor Sam Broughton said in a Facebook update that floodwaters posed a serious threat to low-lying areas. “Significant flooding risks had developed across Selwyn, particularly in low-lying areas,” he said, adding that evacuations were being encouraged for the most at-risk communities.
Emergency services remain on high alert as the storm system continues to move across the country, bringing unpredictable conditions in its wake.
