STRONG WINDS IN NEW ZEALAND CAUSE FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS- NIWA says average wind speeds have reached 54 mph in Wellington
Strong Winds In New Zealand Cause Flight Cancellations. New Zealand today grounded flights as the country faces extreme weather, including in its capital Wellington, which is facing the strongest winds, according to its government weather agency.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) said average wind speeds have reached as high as 87 kilometres an hour (54 mph) in Wellington, the strongest since 2013, while wind gusts at Baring Head hit 160 kilometres an hour (99 mph). Parts of New Zealand’s South Island is reportedly experiencing flooding after 24 hours of heavy rain today.
A red wind warning, the highest possible, is currently in place..
Victoria University of Wellington and the Wellington City Council have all closed for the day. Flights have reportedly been cancelled in the afternoon, along with ferries between the North and South Islands.
