New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, faced its most severe winds in over a decade on Thursday, with gusts reaching 160 km/h (99 mph) at Baring Head, forcing widespread disruptions.
The government issued a rare red wind warning for Wellington, while a state of emergency was declared in Christchurch and Selwyn District on the South Island after torrential rains triggered floods and landslides.
Schools, flights, and ferry services were suspended as authorities urged residents to stay indoors and secure loose objects.
Travel Chaos as Wellington Airport Cancels Flights, Ferries Halted
Wellington International Airport grounded all flights by afternoon, and inter-island ferry services between the North and South Islands were suspended indefinitely.
Victoria University of Wellington and multiple schools shut down as debris littered roads and coastal waves overtopped barriers.
Emergency management spokesperson Dan Neely described the conditions as “bigger than your average bad Wellington day,” warning residents in exposed coastal areas to evacuate due to flood risks.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger declared a state of emergency as rising rivers and landslides threatened low-lying neighborhoods.
In Selwyn District, Mayor Sam Broughton urged residents in high-risk zones to evacuate immediately, citing “significant flooding” across the region. The heavy rains, which failed to ease as predicted, have overwhelmed drainage systems, turning streets into rivers and isolating communities.
MetService Warns of Prolonged Severe Weather Into Friday
Government forecaster MetService confirmed the extreme winds would persist in Wellington until early Friday, while the South Island continues to face relentless rainfall.
The dual crises—record-breaking winds in the north and catastrophic flooding in the south—mark one of New Zealand’s most severe weather events in recent years, raising questions about infrastructure resilience amid climate change. Officials are bracing for further damage overnight as emergency teams work to clear debris and restore transport links.
