Flights cancelled as powerful storm prompts rare red warning in New Zealand

A suburban house sees its roof peeled during a rare red wind warning in Wellington, New Zealand - (AFP via Getty)

Tens of thousands of people went without power and over 100 flights were cancelled as New Zealand battled one of its most severe spring storms in recent years.

Authorities issued rare “red warnings” as wind gusts reached up to 155kmph. A red warning – the country’s highest alert level – is issued only during the most extreme weather events.