Intense Gales Cause Numerous Homes Without Power in the Island Nation
Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and compelled officials to cancel more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, while agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
