Wellington experiences Mini-Tornado as Summer Begins with a Rough Start
During a major storm in New Zealand, a “mini tornado” tore the roof off the Hutt Valley electorate, causing widespread damage, power outages, and flight disruptions. A band of low pressure swept through the country, bringing thunder, lightning, torrential rain, and large hail stones. In Lower Hutt, the cold front caused a “mini tornado” which destroyed the roof of a local MP’s constituency office and knocked down trees, blocking roads with large hailstones. The storm also caused injuries and damage to homes, properties, and vehicles. Residents were shocked by the ferocity of the storm and the speed at which it hit. The storm hit the Wellington region just 10 days before the summer solstice and 12 days into New Zealand’s summer.
