Strong winds cut off power in the south: house-sized waves hit Wellington

Brutal hurricane-force winds are howling in the southern half of the country today, and residents of the Wellington coast are being warned to prepare for giant seas tomorrow.

Strong winds in the southernmost districts have knocked down trees on power lines, leaving settlements without power.

Motorists are cautioned to be careful on the region’s highways with high winds that are expected to be dangerous.

MetService has issued a series of high wind advisories and warnings for much of the South Island and parts of the southern North Island.

Storm force winds of up to 130 km / h hit Southland and Otago with gales reaching Wellington and Wairarapa this afternoon.

Forecasters warn that potentially damaging gusts could reach 120 km / h in Dunedin today and an alarming 130 km / h in exposed parts of South Otago until 8 p.m.

The New Zealand Transport Agency advises drivers traveling on SH87 between Outram and Kyeburn to be extra vigilant on the road.

Powernet said electricity was cut in Dacre and Woodlands due to falling trees. He was also investigating a number of other courts in the region.

But as the windy weather passes over the South Island today, it is the mountainous seas in the Cook Strait expected to hit the bottom of the North Island that pose a threat tomorrow.

A strong surf warning has been issued for Wellington’s south coast.

Seas up to 15 feet high, the size of a single-story house, are expected to slam between Baring Head and Sinclair Head at 13-second intervals during the day.

The Wellington Region Office of Emergency Management urges coastal residents to have an up-to-date family plan.

MetService says the southern swell would rise rapidly from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. with the greatest risk coming at high tide tomorrow morning.