Overview

• Wellington experiences its first-ever red wind warning, with gusts peaking at 160 km/h, posing a 'threat to life' from falling trees and flying debris.
• Heavy rain and flooding in Christchurch and the Selwyn District have prompted states of emergency, with rivers overflowing and evacuations underway.
• Flights in and out of Wellington have been largely canceled, and ferry services across the Cook Strait are suspended until at least Friday due to dangerous conditions.
• Large swells in Wellington Harbour reached heights of 11.5 meters, while heavy snowfall was reported in parts of the South Island.
• Authorities continue to urge residents to stay indoors and avoid travel, as the severe weather is expected to ease by Friday with residual risks remaining.