Ahhh – the bells, the bells

It’s been quite a night, and it’s still going on.  The wind has come back with a vengeance, the big trees over the fence are shaking like crazy, and the bells on our set of wind chimes outside  have been ringing, and ringing.  It’s a wonder none of the neighbours have complained!

We are so pleased we drove home yesterday, when there was a break in the weather, which has now deteriorated again.  The entire North Island is being hit by powerful winds which have gusted to 150kmh today.  Winds were peaking at 6am today when Mt Kaukau and the Rimutaka Hill gusted to 130kmh, Wellington Airport gusted to 96kmh, Castlepoint on the Wairarapa coast to 150kmh, and Aotea Quay in central Wellington to 85kmh.

Some homes have had their roofs lifted, trampolines have gone flying over fences, and power lines are down.  It’s a good day to stay home.  

Photo by JUSTIN WALKER

WIND DAMAGE: This truck was blown across two lanes in Hawke's Bay.

As Sgt. Esterhaus (played by Michael Conrad) from Hill Street Blues used to tell his cops after the daily roll call, "Let's be careful out there."

To all those on the road today in caravans or motor-homes, drive carefully and stay safe, or better still, delay your journey.