In a dramatic display of nature’s power, fierce winds swept through Wellington, disrupting both air and sea travel. For several hours, flights in and out of the city were grounded, with operations only resuming to turbulent take-offs and landings. The storm’s intensity also brought passenger ferry services to a halt.

Tragically, the tempest claimed a life on Mount Victoria, a cherished trail walking destination located in the heart of the city. Authorities have since cautioned residents to steer clear of the city’s parks and reserves due to the peril posed by falling trees.

Adding to the harrowing scenes, dashcam footage captured the moment a pedestrian was toppled by a powerful gust, falling onto the road. Remarkably, the individual narrowly escaped being struck by oncoming vehicles.

The MetService, New Zealand’s meteorological agency, reported that wind speeds in the Kelburn area reached up to 120 kilometers per hour, highlighting the storm’s formidable force.

The MetService weather agency said winds were recorded at speeds of up to 120km/h in the area of Kelburn.

Wellington is New Zealand’s windiest city and known for its howling gales but the gusts were strong even by the capital’s standards.

About 10,000 properties were without electricity in the neighbouring rural region of Wairarapa, according to figures from the local lines company. Schools and businesses in the area closed for the day.

Throughout Tuesday the lower North Island, where Wellington is located, and most of the South Island were under wind or rain warnings. In Christchurch on the South Island, gales disrupted flights on Tuesday afternoon.

Some state highways on both islands were closed due to flooding and landslides.

In Hawkes Bay on the North Island, the wind toppled a truck, injuring one person and closing the road, authorities said.

New Zealand’s location in the southern latitudes and the mountain ranges that run the length of the country can produce wild weather throughout the year.

MetService said the tempest is due to ease on Wednesday before a second, more severe, weather system is expected to hit on Thursday.

The south eastern parts of Australia are also bracing for an intense weather system but the two are not related.

Destructive winds are forecast to hit parts of South Australia, Victoria and NSW today.

This is being caused by a low-pressure system coupled with a cold front, moving across from the west, which has already lashed SA with strong winds as it passed over the state.

Strong winds were expected to intensify overnight and move into eastern parts of Victoria and NSW today.

Severe weather warnings were in place across SA, Victoria and NSW, with wind gusts reaching 90km/h to 110km/h expected in some areas overnight.