🔗 Share this article Fierce Winds Leave Tens of Thousands In the Dark in the Island Nation Citizens encouraged to avoid going out as severe gales batter the country. Powerful winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources. The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency. Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury. Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures. Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, although authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated. Local media have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds. In Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday. Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video. Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed. Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts. Much of New Zealand is under intense condition advisories. Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions The powerful gales on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions. But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off. Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions. Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.