The Meteorological Service issued an urgent red warning yesterday due to a low-pressure system bringing intense rainfall and powerful winds to parts of the North Island. The Wairarapa region was particularly affected, experiencing a staggering 256.4mm of rain and wind gusts reaching 240 km/h overnight.

While the severe weather has somewhat diminished, it continues to impact the southern, central, and eastern parts of the country today as the system progresses.

Images from the affected regions reveal roads submerged under water, rivers overflowing their banks, and fallen trees and power lines scattered across the landscape.

Powerco reported that at least 18,025 of its customers are currently without electricity, while Wellington Electricity confirmed power outages affecting 6,500 of its customers.

The water supply is also under strain, with residents in Pirinoa advised to boil all drinking water due to the local water treatment plant being flooded. Additionally, residents in Taihape, Mangaweka, Hunterville, and Rātana have been urged to conserve water.

In response to the crisis, several districts have declared a state of emergency. Schools have been closed, and numerous flights have been canceled, aborted, or delayed.

Kate McEvoy was on one of the final flights to attempt a landing at Wellington Airport yesterday evening with her three-month-old son, Stuff reported. 

But at the last minute, the pilot pulled up from the approaching runway and turned back around to Christchurch. 

McEvoy told Stuff she was surprised Jetstar tried to make the journey.

“We were watching as all of the departures were getting cancelled, but ours was still going, and we’re like ‘oh my god, why aren’t they cancelling it?’,” she said.

The wild weather has claimed the life of one man, who was found dead inside a submerged car on State Highway 39 in Puketotara last night.

He has been identified as father and keen fisher Brent Knowles.

“My beautiful dad. You were my world, I loved you so much. Life will never be the same. Broken,” his daughter, Tanya Knowles, said on social media. 

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon offered his support to those affected, but warned the country is not out of the woods yet.

“To those facing damage, everything possible is being done to help you get back on your feet,” he said in a statement today.

“Some regions are still facing the worst of it too.

“Please take warnings seriously and don’t take any chances.”

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