Rain and Gales batter New Zealand by Matt Taylor
At least one person is confirmed dead and many stranded after heavy rain and wind caused widespread damage to New Zealand’s North Island yesterday.
The worst hit areas were in the south of the North Island, particularly around Wellington and Wairarapa.
The torrential rain and winds were triggered by a very active cold front that passed northeast over the country. Winds of up to 80mph (130km/h) were recorded in Wellington and 100mph (160km/h) in the surrounding hills.
Dozens of homes were damaged and streets were littered with broken power lines and tree debris. Mudslides were also reported, and emergency services were stretched to their limit.
More than 20 flights were cancelled or diverted at Wellington airport on Tuesday, but a normal service has now been resumed as winds have eased.
In the South Island meanwhile, there has been a good deal of late-season snow, with up to 20cm falling over The Remarkables ski area.
The cold front that brought the severe weather has now moved off to the northeast, but further rain or showers are forecast for the next few days, as a series of weaker fronts pass over the country.
