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The Met Service issued a severe red warning yesterday due to a low-pressure system that has unleashed heavy rainfall and fierce winds across parts of the North Island. The Wairarapa region bore the brunt of the storm, experiencing a deluge with 256.4mm of rain and wind gusts reaching 240km/h overnight.
While the intensity has diminished somewhat, the adverse weather conditions persist today as the system advances towards the southern, central, and eastern regions of the country.
The impact of the storm has been significant, with images capturing scenes of inundated roads, overflowing rivers, and toppled trees and power lines throughout the affected areas.
Power outages are widespread, with Powerco reporting that at least 18,025 of its customers are without electricity. Similarly, Wellington Electricity has noted disruptions affecting 6,500 of its customers.
The storm has also compromised water supplies. Residents in Pirinoa have been advised to boil all drinking water due to floodwaters affecting the local water treatment plant. Meanwhile, communities in Taihape, Mangaweka, Hunterville, and Rātana have been urged to conserve water as they grapple with the storm’s aftermath.
A state of emergency was declared for several districts, schools were closed and flights were cancelled, aborted or delayed.
Kate McEvoy was on one of the final flights to attempt a landing at Wellington Airport yesterday evening with her three-month-old son, Stuff reported.
But at the last minute, the pilot pulled up from the approaching runway and turned back around to Christchurch.
McEvoy told Stuff she was surprised Jetstar tried to make the journey.
“We were watching as all of the departures were getting cancelled, but ours was still going, and we’re like ‘oh my god, why aren’t they cancelling it?’,” she said.
The wild weather has claimed the life of one man, who was found dead inside a submerged car on State Highway 39 in Puketotara last night.
He has been identified as father and keen fisher Brent Knowles.
“My beautiful dad. You were my world, I loved you so much. Life will never be the same. Broken,” his daughter, Tanya Knowles, said on social media.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon offered his support to those affected, but warned the country is not out of the woods yet.
“To those facing damage, everything possible is being done to help you get back on your feet,” he said in a statement today.
“Some regions are still facing the worst of it too.
“Please take warnings seriously and don’t take any chances.”
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