A startling moment in downtown Wellington was caught on a car’s dashcam this week, showing just how powerful New Zealand’s winds can truly be. The footage, now spreading rapidly online, reveals a pedestrian being knocked off their feet by a violent gust of wind and sent tumbling onto the road — directly into oncoming traffic.
The incident occurred as intense winds battered much of the North Island, with Wellington experiencing some of the strongest gusts recorded this year. Meteorologists from MetService reported wind speeds reaching over 120 kilometers per hour, strong enough to uproot trees, damage roofs, and, as the footage shows, literally sweep people off their feet.
In the dashcam video, filmed from a car waiting at a traffic light, a pedestrian can be seen crossing the street, struggling to maintain balance against the relentless wind. Just as they reach the middle of the road, a sudden, violent gust strikes — sending the person sprawling onto the asphalt. The impact causes them to roll and stumble dangerously close to moving vehicles, prompting nearby drivers and bystanders to react in alarm.
Fortunately, quick-thinking motorists managed to slow down in time, and no collision occurred. Witnesses reported that the pedestrian appeared shaken but unharmed after being helped to safety by passersby. Emergency services were not required, but the video has since served as a stark reminder of the city’s unpredictable — and often brutal — weather conditions.
Wellington, known affectionately but accurately as “The Windy City,” is no stranger to powerful gusts. Its position between the Cook Strait and surrounding mountain ranges creates a natural wind tunnel, amplifying storms and creating sudden bursts of air pressure. While most locals are used to leaning into the wind on their daily commutes, this latest event demonstrates how extreme conditions can quickly turn dangerous.
Officials have urged residents to stay cautious during severe weather warnings, particularly when walking near open roads, construction areas, or waterfronts.
“Even a brief gust can have serious consequences,” said a spokesperson from MetService. “When winds exceed 100 km/h, objects, debris, and even people can become hazards.”
Throughout the day, the city also saw reports of downed power lines, toppled rubbish bins, and ferry cancellations across the harbor. Flights in and out of Wellington International Airport were delayed or diverted due to crosswinds.
The viral video has sparked widespread discussion online, with many expressing shock at the force of the wind — and relief that the pedestrian escaped unharmed. One commenter wrote:
“Only in Wellington could the wind literally throw you into traffic. Stay safe out there, everyone.”
As New Zealand continues to experience bouts of extreme weather linked to shifting climate patterns, authorities are reminding the public that even familiar forces of nature can become unexpectedly perilous.
For Wellingtonians, the video is both a cautionary tale and a vivid testament to life in one of the windiest capitals on Earth — where, on days like this, even standing upright can be a challenge.