Where the impact was worst

Regions across the North Island reported the heaviest damage, with strong gusts—reported in some areas to exceed 120 km/h—toppling trees and snapping power lines. Urban areas such as Wellington and parts of Auckland faced travel disruption and localized outages, while several rural communities experienced longer restoration timelines.

Transport and infrastructure disruptions

• Flights and ferry services were cancelled or delayed for safety reasons.
• Road closures occurred where fallen trees and debris blocked key routes.
• Public transport services in major cities experienced delays; commuters were urged to check official updates before travelling.

Emergency response and safety advice

Fire and Emergency teams responded to hundreds of incidents, including reports of damaged roofs and downed power lines. Authorities issued clear safety guidance:

• Do not touch or approach downed electrical wires—treat them as live and dangerous.
• Report hazards to your local council or electricity provider immediately.
• Stay indoors while high winds persist and avoid unnecessary travel.

What to expect next

Meteorologists predict gusty conditions will continue through the day before easing. Energy companies have prioritised repairs to high-impact areas but warned that some rural customers may be without power for longer while crews safely clear damaged routes and restore lines.

How to stay informed

For the latest information:

• Follow your local electricity provider for outage maps and restoration ETAs.
• Monitor official weather updates and strong wind warnings from the MetService.
• Check council and emergency services channels for road closures and shelter information.