Fierce Winds Leave Tens of Thousands In the Dark in New Zealand
Powerful gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off more than 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
