New Zealand: Severe weather prompts nationwide disruptions April 11 /update 1

Event

Severe weather - including heavy rain and high winds - has prompted power outages and flight disruptions in New Zealand on Wednesday, April 11. Some 100,000 properties reportedly experienced power outages overnight on April 10-11. Associated flight delays and cancelations have notably been reported at Auckland Airport (AKL), New Plymouth Airport (NPL), and Palmerston North Airport (PMR). Major train and public transportation disruptions have also been reported in Auckland.

According to the New Zealand MetService, heavy rain warnings are in effect in Taranaki and Whanganui, Hawkes Bay, and Taihape, while strong wind warnings are in effect in Waikato, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, Taranaki, Kapiti Coast, Wellington, Horowhenua, and the Marlborough Sounds. Further power outages and transportation disruptions are possible in the abovementioned affected areas in the coming hours.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Potentially affected travelers are advised to confirm flights prior to departure for the airport. Exercise caution if traveling in affected areas; roads may be hazardous and traffic signals may not be functioning in the event of power outages. In the event of flooding, remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.