Wellington Slammed by 150kph Gales as Red Weather Warning Issued Across NZ
Wellington is being battered by gale-force winds reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour, with authorities issuing rare red weather warnings across the region due to a severe low-pressure system. The warnings signal serious threats to life and property.
MetService has issued a red alert for New Zealand’s capital, with 21 additional weather warnings and watches in effect across the North Island and upper South Island.
In Christchurch, the Avon River has overflowed near the CBD, while in Selwyn, South Canterbury, flooding has forced school closures and limited evacuations under a declared state of emergency.
The most critical risk remains in Wellington, where MetService warns of life-threatening conditions due to falling trees and flying debris. “Destructive winds will cause widespread damage to roofs, powerlines, and transport infrastructure. Dangerous driving conditions and power outages are expected,” the agency stated.
People in exposed or coastal areas have been urged to stay indoors or seek shelter.
Both Air New Zealand and Jetstar have grounded most flights in and out of Wellington for the day, with Air New Zealand possibly resuming operations from 6pm. “Conditions continue to impact our network,” said COO Alex Marren, urging customers to check the airline’s app or website for updates.
This is the first red alert for wind in Wellington since the system was introduced in 2019, and the first red warning of any kind since the Dunedin floods in October 2024.
“Wellington often sees high winds, but this is extreme even for the capital,” MetService meteorologist John Law told AAP. He said the combination of a strong southerly wind, heavy rainfall, and higher tides led to the escalated alert.
The strongest gust so far was 150kph at Mount Kaukau in the north of the city, with Wellington Airport recording 115kph.
The severe southerly is expected to intensify through the day before easing late Thursday, though large swells will persist. Cook Strait ferry services have been suspended through Friday.
Further south, the system has delivered the season’s first major snowfall, with the town of Tekapo blanketed in thick snow, as reported by Stuff.
