Winds of up to 155km/h (96mph) left about 90,000 homes without power in New Zealand and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 flights, local media reports said.
According to the National Weather Service, winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island.
New Zealand authorities earlier on Thursday issued a rare red wind warning – the highest alert level – for central regions including Canterbury and Wellington, which they lifted hours later.
In some places, roofs of houses were reported blown off, while trees and electricity poles were toppled. A man in Wellington has died after being hit by a tree branch.
People are urged to stay indoors and avoid travel and prepare for further power and communication disruptions.
Homes in the South Island appear to be affected by power outages, but officials say power is slowly being restored.
A man who was hit by a tree branch on Tuesday was on a popular walking path in New Zealand’s capital.
Also in Wellington, a woman was blown into oncoming traffic by strong gusts of wind in a moment captured on a viral dashcam video. She appeared to be alive.
Flights in and out of the city have been canceled due to the wind, while some roads and libraries have also been closed.
Meanwhile, Canterbury authorities have declared a state of emergency to support disaster response efforts.
Officials have also warned of heavy rain in the South Island, with water levels in Canterbury’s Waimakariri River rising rapidly. Local officials said the river could overflow in the coming hours and urged local residents to be prepared to evacuate.
A wild wind broke out Thursday as thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers took part in what has been dubbed a “mega strike” demanding better pay and working conditions.
But severe weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies being moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar storms are also sweeping across Australia, causing heat waves in the country’s outback. Authorities have issued a fire ban amid fears of bushfires.
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