Severe Storm Disrupts Flights, Cuts Power Across New Zealand

A powerful storm system battered parts of New Zealand on Monday, disrupting flights, rail and ferry services, forcing road closures and leaving tens of thousands without electricity across the North Island.

Heavy rain and strong winds triggered widespread travel chaos, particularly around Wellington. The capital’s airport canceled or delayed most inbound and outbound flights Monday morning. According to local reports, Air New Zealand suspended operations at airports in Wellington, Napier and Palmerston North due to severe weather conditions.

Authorities said more than 30,000 properties lost power, including approximately 10,000 customers in the Wellington region alone. Officials urged motorists to stay off the roads as emergency crews responded to widespread flooding, fallen trees and infrastructure damage. Several schools were closed as a precaution.

Images circulating online showed semi-rural neighborhoods submerged in floodwaters, homes inundated and sections of roadways collapsed after waters receded.

The storm system, driven by an intensifying low-pressure front, has lashed eastern parts of the North Island since the start of the week, bringing torrential rainfall and severe wind gusts. On Saturday, authorities confirmed that a man was found dead inside a submerged vehicle on a highway.

Forecasters expect the storm to move toward the South Island on Tuesday, with officials warning of continued disruptions, potential flooding and hazardous travel conditions.

The extreme weather event highlights the growing impact of severe storms across New Zealand, as authorities monitor conditions and coordinate emergency response efforts nationwide.