🔗 Share this article Intense Gales Cause Tens of Thousands In the Dark in the Island Nation Residents urged to stay indoors as severe gales batter the nation. Severe winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets. These gusts are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency. New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington. Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages. Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, while authorities report that energy was being restored progressively. Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts. In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week. Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video. Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down. At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations. Significant areas in New Zealand faces severe weather warnings. Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions These intense gusts on this day occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions. But the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off. Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas. Officials have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.