Thousands of people across Southland and Otago are enduring extended power outages after a spell of violent winds battered the lower South Island over the weekend. The severe weather, which struck late Friday and persisted into Saturday, has left notable damage in its wake, disrupting daily life and posing ongoing challenges for both residents and emergency services.
PowerNet, the electricity distribution company responsible for much of the region, confirmed that three of its major networks—OtagoNet, Electricity Invercargill, and The Power Company—were seriously affected by the storm. The force of the gales brought down power lines, uprooted trees, and caused structural damage, making it extremely difficult for repair crews to access and restore the damaged infrastructure.
The company has issued a warning to those affected, urging them to prepare for the possibility that outages could last for several days. “Some customers could remain without power into Monday and people who were medically dependent on electricity should plan accordingly,” said one spokesperson.
By Saturday evening, the number of properties still without power had been reduced to approximately 1,600, a considerable improvement from the peak of around 8,000 earlier in the weekend. Nevertheless, many families remain in the dark, and the threat of further delays looms as crews contend with hazardous conditions and the need to prioritise safety above all else.
PowerNet has stated that while teams worked throughout Saturday, operations had to be paused at nightfall for safety reasons, with plans to resume at first light on Sunday.
The impact of the storm has not been limited to power outages. Fire and Emergency New Zealand received a high volume of emergency calls, responding to incidents such as roofs being torn from houses, trees crashing onto roads and power lines, and other wind-related hazards. Local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution, particularly in rural areas where access may be hampered by fallen debris or blocked roads. People are reminded to avoid touching downed power lines and to report any hazards promptly.
MetService also issued several severe weather warnings as the storm moved through the country. In affected parts of the South Island, wind gusts reached up to 130 kilometres per hour, prompting an orange-level wind warning that was set to expire on Saturday afternoon. The North Island has also been affected, with Hawke’s Bay and the Tararua District remaining under an orange wind warning until late Sunday. The Chatham Islands are experiencing similar conditions, with strong winds and the possibility of thunderstorms expected to continue until Sunday afternoon. Coastal areas such as Wairarapa have been placed under heavy swell warnings, with dangerous sea conditions forecast to last into Monday.
Given the ongoing risk of outages, health authorities and local councils are encouraging those who depend on electrically powered medical equipment to make alternative arrangements. Community centres and emergency shelters have been readied to assist vulnerable residents, and regular updates are being shared through local media and online platforms.
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has reiterated the importance of being prepared, advising households to have emergency supplies on hand, including torches, batteries, non-perishable food, and sufficient water. Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbours, particularly the elderly and those with health concerns.
Although weather conditions are expected to gradually improve, authorities warn that it may still take several days before power is fully restored in all affected areas, especially those that are remote or difficult to access. PowerNet crews will continue their efforts as soon as it is safe to do so, focusing on restoring essential services as quickly as possible.
For the latest information, residents are advised to follow updates from PowerNet, their local councils, and MetService.