Fierce winds and heavy rains batter New Zealand, emergency declared PHOTO

New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, was hit by its strongest winds in over a decade on May 1, prompting school closures, flight cancellations, and a red wind warning, while parts of the South Island, including Christchurch, declared a state of emergency due to widespread flooding and landslides.

Wellington recorded sustained wind speeds of up to 87 kilometres per hour (54 mph), the highest since 2013, according to the national forecaster. Gusts peaked at 160 kilometres per hour in the exposed coastal area of Baring Head, south of the capital, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

“This is certainly bigger than your average bad Wellington day,” said Dan Neely, spokesperson for the Wellington region’s emergency management department. “Few roads are closed in different parts of the region. We've got some waves overtopping coastal roads and dumping some debris.”

Residents were urged to stay indoors and secure outdoor furniture and trampolines, while those in one coastal suburb were asked to find alternative accommodation overnight due to flooding concerns.

Flights at Wellington International Airport were cancelled by the afternoon, and ferry services between the North and South Islands were suspended. Several local schools and the Victoria University of Wellington were closed for the day.

In the South Island, Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger declared a state of emergency amid persistent rain, flooding, and falling trees. “We expected the weather would ease, which hasn’t happened,” he said. “Declaring will mean we are prepared for anything that may happen overnight.”

The Selwyn District, west of Christchurch, also issued an emergency warning on Thursday due to surging river levels. District Mayor Sam Broughton said in a Facebook post that people in low-lying areas were being asked to evacuate, with flooding risks becoming increasingly severe.

Government forecaster MetService warned that the extreme weather would continue into the early hours of May 2, with strong winds persisting in the capital and intense rainfall lashing the South Island.

It's the windiest day in over a decade for parts of Wellington 🌬️

Average wind speeds have reached as high as 87 km/h at Wellington Airport, the strongest since 2013.

Stay up to date with @MetService for warnings. pic.twitter.com/2nFXSP54ka

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) May 1, 2025

By Khagan Isayev