Powerful winds and dangerous seas hammered Wellington, New Zealand on Tuesday, shutting down air and water transportation while officials ordered hundreds of people living near the southern coastline to leave their homes.
Strong gusts at Wellington’s airport temporarily flipped a small aircraft onto its wing and wheel after the plane had completed its landing, according to an airport spokesperson who provided details via email.
“Nobody was injured and it was quickly righted,” the spokesperson stated.
The New Zealand Herald reported that passengers had already gotten off the aircraft when the wind caused it to tip over.
Wellington’s airport saw approximately eight flight cancellations. Air New Zealand notified travelers that predicted strong winds might affect departures from Wellington and provided alternative booking arrangements, according to Radio New Zealand’s coverage.
Officials declared an emergency situation for certain areas of Wellington after meteorologists issued warnings about waves reaching heights of 9 metres (29.5 ft) along the southern shoreline.
“We are now entering the forecast period for most significant swell impacts. If you are in the evacuation zone and have not left your property, please shelter in place,” Wellington City Council announced through a Facebook message.
Passenger boat operations connecting New Zealand’s North and South Islands were suspended Tuesday.
Weather officials predicted waves would increase quickly during Tuesday morning and early afternoon hours along eastern coastlines of both major islands and at the Chatham Islands.
Jonathan Delich, an Island Bay resident who runs Cook Strait Fishing Charters, informed the New Zealand Herald that he had canceled all Tuesday and Wednesday bookings.
“We wouldn’t take you fishing even if you wanted to … no one in their right mind would go out on the water today,” Delich commented.
