Severe winds hit New Zealand coast, forces flight cancellations

Reuters

Torrential rain and gale-force winds lashing New Zealand’s east coast shut down flights at Wellington Airport and prompted a state of emergency in Canterbury’s Selwyn district, with residents urged to evacuate as rivers surged.

Severe weather pounding New Zealand’s east coast has forced Wellington Airport to cancel all flights, while torrential rain and gale-force winds batter much of the country.

A state of emergency is in effect for Canterbury’s Selwyn district, where schools are closed and residents of Selwyn Huts have been urged to evacuate as rivers rise. Heavy-rain warnings and watches remain for Gisborne, the eastern Bay of Plenty, Kaikōura, Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

“Heavy rain is forecast until 6 p.m. — please avoid travel unless absolutely necessary,” Selwyn District Council said in a statement.

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