Strong winds wreak havoc in Wellington, 130km/h gusts expected, boat wrecked

A boat is pounded by waves against rocks at Evans Bay in Wellington as fierce weather strikes the region. Photo / Craig Doolan

Strong winds are wreaking havoc in the capital, with gale force gusts blowing a boat off its moorings and onto rocks near Wellington Airport.

MetService predicts winds of up to 130km/h will batter exposed places overnight.

A Herald reader sent a photo of a smashed boat being pounded by waves against rocks at Evans Bay.

Seven flights due to depart from Wellington Airport this morning have been cancelled, six operated by Air New Zealand and one by Jetstar.

A further five flights have been delayed.

A Sounds Air flight headed for Nelson managed to depart on time at 6am.

FENZ Shift Manager Chris Dalton said crews experienced the “normal Wellington windy stuff”, but didn’t respond to anything notable.

He said a couple of power lines came down on the city’s south coast but were responded to quickly and the issue has now been handed over to the electricity companies.

An orange heavy rain warning is in place for the Taraura Range from 9pm Sunday to 9am tomorrow.

An orange strong wind warning is also in place for Wellington and Wairarapa south of Masterton from 9pm to 8am tomorrow.

MetService warns that up to 110mm of rain could fall in the Tararua Range area.

Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are possible, making driving conditions difficult.

🌬 Have you felt the gusts today? 💨

In Wellington, sustained winds are currently 60 km/h, making for a blustery evening in the capital.

The strongest gust recorded today so far was at our high-elevation station at Mt Potts (2128m), with a whopping 163 km/h this afternoon! pic.twitter.com/b240Bt881G

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) December 8, 2024

Severe northwest gale could gust up to 130km/h in exposed places.

”Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

”Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.”

MetService has a strong wind watch in place for parts of Canterbury tonight, including the Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula.

”North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

”The watch is in place from 9pm tonight until Monday 2am.”

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