Large parts of New Zealand faced severe weather on Thursday. Heavy rain led to a state of emergency in parts of the South Island. Forecasters also reported destructive winds in the capital, Wellington.
Snowfall and large coastal swells affected other regions. Authorities reported no deaths or serious injuries. The full extent of the damage remained unclear by the afternoon, but few evacuations took place.
Severe weather warning issued as Wellington records strongest winds yet
Wellington, at the southern end of the North Island, received a red wind warning for the first time. Known for its strong gusts, the city saw winds reaching up to 150 km/h. MetService urged residents to stay indoors, avoid travel, and stay clear of windows and doors due to the risk of falling trees and flying debris.
Airlines cancelled all flights in and out of Wellington. Passenger ferries between the North and South Islands were also suspended. MetService expected waves of up to five metres in the Cook Strait, which separates the two main islands.
About 1,000 homes in the wider Wellington area lost power. Schools closed early, Victoria University of Wellington cancelled classes, and the Royal New Zealand Ballet called off a scheduled performance.
Wellington often experiences strong winds, with gale-force gusts recorded nearly half the year. Despite this, emergency management chief Dan Neely warned the storm was unusually strong and posed a real threat to public safety.
Christchurch and rural areas face flooding and snow
In Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, heavy rain caused rivers to overflow. Rising water closed several roads and raised concerns about flooding in residential areas. Authorities declared local states of emergency in Christchurch and surrounding districts, according to Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell.
MetService issued orange-level warnings—one step below the highest level—for several regions. These alerts covered heavy rain, large waves, and snow in parts of both islands. Forecasters expected the storm system to weaken by Friday.
New Zealand’s geography often brings unpredictable and extreme winter weather. However, officials noted that the widespread nature of the warnings was unusual.
