With the world’s top weather models all screaming the same forecast – a massive wind event packing gusts well over 200km/h – I booked a flight south. I met up with fellow storm chasers Geoff and Cayleb, and we immediately drove from Christchurch to Culverden for the night.
The next morning, we were up early. The air was dead still and eerily hot. A bizarre calm before the storm. We headed toward Hanmer Springs. Soon after setting up, the wind kicked up, quickly escalating to full, furious force. Downed trees immediately blocked our path. We pushed up into the hills behind Hanmer, where we got absolutely pummeled. Winds were easily gusting over 150/km up there. With trees crashing down around us, we made a hasty retreat back to Hanmer. By this time, the town was a mess, Major trees were falling across the main road, and the power was out.
We immediately jumped in to clear the main road and several side roads that were critical for emergency access. Then, at 11am, the wind died almost instantly, and the rain began. The sudden downpour was a welcome relief, as it helped knock down a fire burning in the hills behind the town.
Our final stop was back near Waiau and Culverden, where we filmed an entire shelter belt that had toppled completely over the road.
This storm delivered some of the most powerful wind gusts I’ve ever experienced in New Zealand, easily rivaling events like Cyclone Gabrielle. The resulting damage is extensive, primarily involving countless fallen trees and downed powerlines. Cleanup and recovery will clearly take considerable time.
