Thousands of homes in Wellington, New Zealand, lost power as a fierce storm swept through the country, bringing with it winds of up to 150km/h. The Metservice weather forecasting agency issued its first-ever red alert for the capital, warning of a serious threat to life from falling trees and flying debris.
The storm caused widespread disruption, with many flights to and from Wellington cancelled and ferry services between the North and South Islands suspended until at least Friday afternoon. The bad weather also forced the Royal New Zealand Ballet to cancel its evening performance and prompted several schools to send students home early.
Wellington Airport was forced to close temporarily, but has since reopened. However, some flights remain grounded due to the severe weather conditions. The city’s roads were littered with debris, including rocks and branches, as waves crashed over the sea wall.
The storm also brought heavy rain to the southern region of Canterbury, causing flooding and landslides that prompted evacuations in some areas. While the worst of the weather has passed in some areas, emergency services are still dealing with the aftermath. The Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office has advised people to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.
The cleanup operation has begun, with crews working to clear debris and restore power to affected areas. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it’s clear that the storm has had a significant impact on the region. According to Channelnewsasia, the situation is being closely monitored by authorities, who are working to mitigate the effects of the storm.
Aftermath and Response
The storm’s impact was felt across the region, with many residents left to deal with the consequences of the severe weather. Emergency services were quick to respond, with crews working to clear roads and restore essential services. The city’s infrastructure was put to the test, with many roads and buildings affected by the strong winds and heavy rain.
- Wellington city experienced winds of up to 150km/h
- Many flights to and from Wellington were cancelled
- Ferry services between the North and South Islands were suspended
- Heavy rain caused flooding and landslides in Canterbury
- Thousands of homes lost power in Wellington
The response from authorities has been swift, with emergency services working to clear debris and restore power to affected areas. The situation is being closely monitored, and authorities are working to mitigate the effects of the storm.