Deadly Storm Unleashes Chaos Across New Zealand with Record-Breaking Winds
A violent and freak storm has wreaked havoc across New Zealand's lower North Island, resulting in one confirmed death, the cancellation of numerous flights, and leaving more than 30,000 properties without electricity. The tempest, characterised by what authorities have labelled "extremely unusual" wind gusts reaching 193 kilometres per hour, forced evacuations, closed major roads, and prompted multiple local states of emergency.
Unprecedented Wind Gusts and Widespread Damage
Overnight into Monday, 16 February 2026, the capital city of Wellington recorded a staggering wind gust of 193kmph, an event described by meteorologists as exceptionally rare. This ferocious weather system caused significant destruction, with falling trees damaging homes, blocking critical transport routes, and severing power lines. Utility companies reported that approximately 10,000 customers in Wellington alone were plunged into darkness, contributing to a regional total exceeding 30,000 affected properties.
The impact on transportation was severe and immediate. Wellington Airport cancelled or delayed the majority of its arriving and departing flights. National carrier Air New Zealand was compelled to suspend all operations at Wellington, Napier, and Palmerston North airports. Train services across the affected region were halted, and Cook Strait ferry crossings were cancelled, stranding hundreds of passengers and causing extensive travel disruption.
Road Closures, Mudslides, and Community Crisis
Several major highways, including sections of the crucial State Highway 1, were shut down due to flooding and debris, rendering them impassable. In a particularly dangerous incident, a mudslide on Turakina Valley Road in the Rangitikei District trapped twenty vehicles, leaving drivers stranded until emergency crews could clear the obstruction. The severity of the situation led local authorities to declare states of emergency in the districts of Otorohanga, Waipa, Tararua, Rangitikei, and Manawatu.
In Lower Hutt, around 7,000 homes remained without power by mid-morning on Monday. The Hutt City Council issued urgent warnings, advising residents to stay vigilant until evening and to avoid waterways and low-lying coastal areas. The Waiwhetu Stream burst its banks, though water levels were reported to be receding. Personal stories of hardship emerged, such as that of Stokes Valley resident Teresa Hayes, whose home was flooded ankle-deep. "We are pretty lucky in the grand scheme of things. We are safe. That's the main thing," she stated, reflecting a community spirit amidst the chaos.
Emergency Services Overwhelmed and Further Warnings Issued
Fire and Emergency New Zealand faced an extraordinarily busy night, responding to 852 emergency calls across the North Island. The majority of these calls were related to storm damage, including fallen trees, downed powerlines, and structural damage to roofs. Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper confirmed that while over half the calls originated in the Wellington region, nearly the entire North Island—with the exception of Northland—reported some form of damage or flooding.
Civil defence controllers, like Wayne Allan in western Waikato, described the storm as "short, sharp" but with variable intensity. Critical infrastructure concerns were raised, particularly in Pirongia, where the community's fragile water supply, dependent on a single pipe, became a primary focus. Residents were urged to drastically reduce water usage to prevent a complete outage.
Broader Context and Ongoing Threat
This devastating storm follows a tragic pattern of severe weather. The community is still mourning Brent Knowles, a local described as a "loving father," who died on Friday when his vehicle was submerged in floodwaters on State Highway 39. Furthermore, this deluge arrives just weeks after deadly storms claimed nine lives and caused widespread destruction across the country.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane warned that the storm system is tracking southwards, with eastern parts of the South Island next in line for severe conditions. Heavy rain warnings are active for the Kaikoura district, Canterbury north of Amberley, and Banks Peninsula. The Christchurch City Council has advised residents in Christchurch and across Canterbury to prepare for persistent overnight rain, with forecasts predicting between 150mm and 250mm of rainfall by Tuesday morning. Communities are now bracing for further downpours while beginning the arduous task of assessing and recovering from the extensive damage already inflicted.
