A Wellington resident has described the moment the roof of his house began to peel back as high winds lashed the city today.
The region is currently under a strong red wind warning, with severe north-westerlies expected to reach up to 140km/h in exposed areas.
As high winds battered the city, 1News spoke to Hone Tibble outside his Newlands home, where the wind had destroyed his carport and started to peel off the roof.
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He said the ordeal began when the roof of his carport started to lift and the supports flew over the house.
“It progressively got worse from 10am, and we were holding the poles, trying to get them supported and get them fastened.
“Then they started going, so we rang the fire department.”
Tibble said firefighters did the best they could to secure the damaged carport, but it wasn’t enough.
“It stayed for another hour and then was just essentially ripped right over the top.”
Tibble said it “hurts” to see the state his family home was in.
“But we’re mindful that the house is still there and the family is safe, and that’s really what counts most.”
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Tibble’s family had been sent off to stay with other relatives for now.
“Our lives matter more than the house”.
Wellington residents were advised to avoid travel, stay indoors, or seek sturdy shelter.
“Destructive winds will cause widespread damage, including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply,” MetService said.
