Flights cancelled after severe gales hit parts of the country
Severe gales across New Zealand caused flight cancellations and widespread power outages on Sunday. While the weather is expected to improve in the North Island, the South Island faces incoming rain and potential snow.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events continue to disrupt critical infrastructure and travel, highlighting the vulnerability of regional power grids and transport networks.
A number of Air New Zealand flights were cancelled on Sunday after severe gales hit southern and central parts of the country.
The airline said strong winds had impacted its operations in Wellington, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Blenheim, Invercargill, Dunedin and Queenstown.
Wellington Airport said two flights were cancelled and two others diverted early on Sunday morning.
MetService meteorologist Gerard Bellham said central parts of the country were feeling the effects of "strong, blustery winds". Those severe gusts hit 168 km/h on Sunday morning at Wellington's Mt Kaukau .
An orange strong wind warning was in effect throughout the day for the Tararua district.
A strong wind watch was in place throughout the day for inland Hawke's Bay as well.
The watch and warning were lifted on Sunday evening.
The wind had also been responsible for widespread power outages across the motu on Sunday, Bellham said.
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