Gale-force Winds Hit Wellington, Cancellation of Flights and Ferries

Gale-force winds and rough seas hit Wellington, New Zealand, on Tuesday. Authorities ordered hundreds of residents along the city’s south coast to evacuate as ferry and flight cancellations increased.

A light aircraft at Wellington Airport was briefly blown over by strong winds, tipping onto its wing and wheel. The airport spokesperson stated that no one was injured and the plane was quickly righted.

The New Zealand Herald reported that around eight flights were cancelled at Wellington’s airport. Air New Zealand offered rebooking options to passengers affected by forecast high winds from Wellington.

A state of emergency has been declared for parts of Wellington as the weather bureau warned of waves up to 9 metres along the city’s south coast. The Wellington City Council advised residents in evacuation zones to shelter in place.

Ferry services between New Zealand’s North and South Islands were cancelled on Tuesday. Waves are forecast to rise rapidly through Tuesday morning and early afternoon along the east coasts of both islands and at the Chatham Islands.

Island Bay resident Jonathan Delich, who owns Cook Strait Fishing Charters, canceled all operations scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. He warned that no one in their right mind would go out on the water today.