🔗 Share this article Powerful Gales Cause Tens of Thousands In the Dark in New Zealand Residents urged to avoid going out as powerful gusts lash the nation. Intense gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets. The gales are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body. New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury. People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages. Extensive Impact and Emergency Response The power cut is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, while authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back. Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales. Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week. Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video. Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed. Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts. A large portion of New Zealand is experiencing severe weather warnings. Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments. Yet the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off. Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions. Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.