New Zealand Hit by Life-Threatening Storms

In a rare move, New Zealand’s MetService has upgraded warnings for the capital to red—meaning threat to life—as the entire country is battered by storms.

Severe storms have caused havoc across New Zealand on May 1, 2025. Winds of 150km/h have been recorded in Wellington, and a "red warning" has been issued by MetService, meaning there is a danger to life. Marty Melville/AFP via Getty Images

New Zealand has been hit by storms rated as being a threat to life, as Wellington experiences destructive gale-force winds reaching 140 km/h, sending debris flying and uprooting trees.

MetService, the government’s forecasting agency, warns that power lines and roofs are at risk, and that “dangerous driving conditions and significant disruptions to power supply” are likely.

In an unusual move, MetService issued a “red warning,” at 10 a.m. on May 1, 2025. This is the highest alert level and means there is a danger to life.

The warning will remain in place until 3 a.m. on May 2.

Wellington Braces for Power Outages

Residents have been urged to act immediately to protect themselves, their animals, and property.

“Stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. Avoid travel. Be ready for power and communication outages,” the warning states.

Winds are likely to peak in the afternoon, especially around the south coast of the capital and on exposed hilltops, before easing in the evening.

Flights in and out of the capital have been cancelled until later in the day. Hundreds of homes are currently without power.

Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) has said it is experiencing a “steady stream of incidents related to wind” around the Wellington area and asked locals to secure any loose items, including trampolines.

FENZ shift manager Murray Dunbar said crews had responded to nearly 50 weather-related incidents since 6 a.m., including roofing iron torn from properties and numerous reports of trees falling on power lines.

More Rain on the Way

The region, already experiencing heavy rainfall, is expected to receive an additional 30 hours of downpours, bringing 90 to 110 mm in the hills and ranges and 50 to 70 mm elsewhere.

Several roads are closed due to flooding, and many public facilities have shut down.

A weather forecast map showing strong southerly winds battering the nation's capital, Wellington, throughout the afternoon of May 1, 2025. Gusts of 150 km/h had been experienced by 10:00 am. Courtesy of MetService

Wind speeds are expected to peak in the early afternoon, when gusts of 140 km/h are possible, making them the strongest southerlies in over a decade.

MetService has warned that the combined effects of heavy rain, high tides, and seven-metre waves could worsen the effects of the high winds.

Wastewater has been discharged into two streams that flow into the sea, and people are being advised to stay out of the water for 2 to 3 days.

Canterbury Declares State of Emergency

The wild weather extends beyond the capital. In Canterbury, a state of emergency has been declared in the Selwyn District as rivers continue to rise and evacuations are ordered in low-lying areas.

One woman was rescued from floodwaters by a passing farmer after her car became trapped became submerged.

Local MP Nicola Grigg says there is a “huge amount” of flooding in the district, although the rivers have not yet breached their banks.

In Ashburton, bridges have been washed out and roads are closed.

“There are huge amounts of surface flooding, which, in small communities with cars going up and down the roads, water is threatening people’s homes,” she said.

Christchurch Hit by Power Cuts and River Flooding

In Christchurch, around 1,000 homes have lost power after wind brought down trees and rain flooded some areas.

An orange alert is in place due to expected heavy rain, and most schools are closed. The Ōpāwaho Heathcote River has burst its banks in multiple areas around Beckenham in Christchurch, causing extensive flooding.

Christchurch City Council is warning residents that the heavy rainfall may inundate the stormwater network.

“This can affect the mains, meaning that in some areas people may be experiencing ’slow‘ or ’no' service,” it said.

“Toilets, showers, and sinks may empty slowly or, in the worst cases, not at all.”

Further north, in Kaikoura, residents are preparing for up to 100 to 150 mm of rain, and a strong wind watch remains in place. Authorities are warning people to stay away from beaches due to the risk of large waves.

The scene at Mt Hutt as heavy snow falls during the storm in New Zealand on May 1, 2025. Courtesy of Mt Hutt Skifield

Meanwhile, the Mount Hutt skifield reported 80 cm of snow by 10:00 am, “with more to come.”

“Likely to see the snow begin to pack down under its own weight now. Wind-affected with 90 km/h gusts at the summit, road is closed.”