Powerful Gales Cause Numerous Homes In the Dark in the Island Nation
Powerful gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and led agencies to call off over 100 flights, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
