Wellington is currently grappling with a severe low-pressure system that has prompted authorities to issue a rare red weather warning. This is the first red warning for wind since this new weather warning system was rolled out in 2019. Mid-September, and gales are sweeping the province, with gusts topping 150 km/h. This extreme weather has endangered life and property all across the region.
As the Category 4 ex-Cyclone Gabrielle grows in severity, crews at Wellington Water have been working around the clock to address rising flood waters. Powerful southerly winds and excess rainfall have worsened circumstances even more. Some of the most lovely and popular areas of the city became inundated, causing treacherous conditions for pedestrians and travelers alike.
Impact on Travel and Local Services
Air New Zealand and Jetstar have cancelled the majority of flights into and out of Wellington today. This decision has big-time messed up most travel plans. Download Air New Zealand on your mobile devices to get the most up-to-date information! You can check out their arrivals and departures page on their website.
“Current conditions are expected to continue impacting our network throughout the day, so we encourage customers travelling to check the Air New Zealand app or the arrivals and departures page on our website for the latest updates,” – Alex Marren.
Apart from flight cancellations, Cook Strait ferry operators have cancelled sailings until at least Friday. Wellington’s south shore is sometimes the worst hit area, with extreme wind creating hazardous conditions along the coast. Eastbourne has published pictures of huge waves crashing down on the marine habitat.
Safety Warnings and Precautions
Patrol leaders have made very clear threats. The common advice to shelter in place or take cover is a woeful understatement with the deadly threats of wind-borne shrapnel and crashing timber. For example, MetService raised the stakes with their life-threatening warning, outlining threats to life from damaging winds.
“Threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply,” – MetService warning.
John Law, a forecaster with MetService, was one of the first to explain how this freakish weather event came to be.
“Wellington is no stranger to high winds but even by our standards this is an extraordinary day in the capital,” – John Law.
He further elaborated on the conditions: “The combination of wind direction, a strong southerly, and rainfall and higher tides” has led to this escalation in weather warnings.
Ongoing Conditions and Future Outlook
These extreme southerly winds, sometimes gusting over 70 mph, will be felt well into the afternoon. That should begin to let up by Thursday evening. Major swells are predicted for Wellington, which could mean flooding and dangerous conditions. That’s not to say the storm’s impact will be over once the winds die down.
Warnings and watches are in effect still not just for Wellington but for much of the region and area—surrounding real, as well. Our authorities are still listening and are still monitoring the situation closely, with public safety the first priority as they attack this unprecedented weather event.
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