Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is experiencing severe weather today, leading to widespread evacuations, school closures, and disruptions in airport and ferry services. The strong winds, heavy snow, and rain are particularly affecting the southern part of the North Island and several areas of the South Island.
Dan Neely, a spokesperson for Wellington Region Emergency Management, warned that winds could reach up to 140km/h, posing risks of damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures, while also raising concerns about potential roof damage. Neely advised residents to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel, especially during peak winds expected around 1pm (3pm AEST), particularly in exposed areas of Wellington.
The MetService has issued a red wind warning for Wellington, denoting the highest level of alert. As conditions worsen, Neely urged people to stay clear of windows and shelter in the interior of their homes, ideally in internal rooms away from potential hazards.
Large swells along the coast have caused significant disruptions; flights in and out of Wellington have been cancelled until this evening, affecting numerous travellers. Air New Zealand reported that almost all flights were cancelled due to the adverse weather, alongside the cancellation of three Qantas flights.
Ferry services across the Cook Strait have also been suspended, with the Interislander halting all crossings until Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, Wellington Electricity reported that around 200 customers were without power, although service restoration was anticipated later in the day.
The wild weather has resulted in dramatic impacts across the region, including waves reaching heights of 11.5 metres in the Wellington Harbour. In Ashburton, on the South Island, 109mm of rain was recorded within 24 hours, notably more than the average monthly total of 82mm for May.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation as the storm continues to affect various areas, advising people to remain vigilant and prepare for further disruptions.