Wellington: Strong winds of up to 155 km/h (96 mph) have swept across New Zealand, leaving nearly 90,000 homes without power and forcing the cancellation of more than 100 flights, according to local media reports.
The MetService has issued rare red wind warnings, the country’s highest alert level, for parts of Canterbury and Wellington, while heavy rain alerts are in place for sections of the South Island. Officials have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for possible power and communication outages.
Coastal parts of Clutha and Southland, including Stewart Island, have just been upgraded to a Red Strong Wind Warning, with damaging gusts of 150 km/h forecast in exposed places through to 4pm today (Thursday).@nztaos pic.twitter.com/rDOQmEDerD
— MetService (@MetService) October 22, 2025
The South Island has been hit hardest, with widespread reports of roofs torn off houses, fallen trees, and damaged power lines. Authorities say electricity is being gradually restored. In Wellington, a man died after being struck by a falling tree branch at a walking trail, while a woman was blown into oncoming traffic by a powerful gust in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the capital have been suspended, and several roads and public facilities, including libraries, have been closed. The Canterbury region has declared a state of emergency to bolster disaster response efforts.
The severe weather coincides with a nationwide ‘mega strike’ involving tens of thousands of teachers, doctors, and public sector workers demanding better pay and conditions. Many planned rallies have been moved indoors or cancelled due to the storm.
Meanwhile, similar strong gusts are sweeping across Australia, combining with a heatwave in the country’s outback. Authorities have issued fire bans due to rising bushfire concerns.
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