Lightning strike and snow cause power cuts and road closures

Tuesday 28 October 2025 · 4 outlets · 7 reports · updated Tue 28 Oct 2025, 5:00pm

In this story MetService, NZ Transport Agency

A lightning strike has caused a grid emergency and power outages in central North Island areas. Meanwhile, heavy snow in the South Island has trapped vehicles and closed some state highways. In the Clutha region, power may be out for several weeks.

How they headlined it

6h

6:52am8:29am10:09am10:58am5pm

1. NZ HeraldTue 28 Oct 2025, 6:52am

   Lightning strike cuts power in central areas as snow traps vehicles across South Island (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsTue 28 Oct 2025, 8:29am

   Snow dump hits parts of South Island, workers toil to reopen roads (opens in new tab)

   • Snow dump hits parts of South Island, closing roads and trapping cars (opens in new tab) Tue 28 Oct 2025, 8:29am
   • Snow dump hits parts of South Island, closing some roads (opens in new tab) Tue 28 Oct 2025, 8:29am
3. RNZTue 28 Oct 2025, 10:09am

   Weather live: Highways close as heavy snow blankets South Island (opens in new tab)

   • Weather: Scattered rain, isolated showers to linger for parts of country (opens in new tab) Tue 28 Oct 2025, 10:58am
4. StuffTue 28 Oct 2025, 5:00pm

   Winter-like weather on the way out, a mixture of showers and sunshine to linger (opens in new tab)