Intense gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
