Tornado strikes New Zealand's Levin, no casualty reported

A tornado hit Levin, New Zealand, around 7:45 am Tuesday 8(April), uprooting several trees, damaging power lines, blowing aways roofs, and fences. Strong winds and heavy swells have affected other parts of the country, including Wellington and the lower North Island.

A heavy swell warning is in effect for the Kapiti and Porirua coast. While Levin saw damage to many properties, no injuries have been reported. Cleanup efforts are underway, with neighbourhoods and community members assisting each other.

Horowhenua District Council confirmed the tornado in Levin at approximately 7:45 am. The tornado took down trees, impacted utility lines, and damaged roofs and fences. Fallen trees caused the temporary closure of part of State Highway 1. A tree fell on a vehicle on Oxford Street, but no injuries were reported. The road has since reopened.


Horowhenua District Council Mayor Bernie Wanden reported “significant damage in various parts” of Levin. He noted some community members were feeling “pretty anxious.” Wanden stated the damage was mostly superficial and no injuries were reported. He called the tornado “quite a surprise but not unexpected,” referencing a previous tornado in May 2022.

“Unfortunately our community has had to deal with a similar event a few years ago.”

The council’s chief executive, Monique Davidson, reported damage and said it was “incredible to see how much work has already occurred in the cleanup phase”. Contractors are working to clear debris, unblock drains, and support affected households, he added.

Fire and Emergency assistant commander Craig Gold stated crews responded to 12 calls around Levin. The council is now leading the response effort. Skip bins have been provided for residents on Collingwood Street and Wilton Street.

Local Controller Brent Harvey said, “fortunately it appears the event this morning is not as significant as the Levin tornado event of May 2022.” Recovery work will continue with affected residents.

MetService meteorologist Katie Hillyer described a “very organised line of rain and thunderstorms moved through Otaki and Levin at around 8am this morning.” This band had a strong wind signal, possibly indicating large gusts. While radar data suggests a possible tornado, confirmation requires further assessment of the damage track on the ground.

Hillyer noted strong and gusty winds in the region, coupled with intense thunderstorms, resulted in damage. The intense weather line was short-lived.

In Wellington, conditions are windy and wet. Wellington Region Emergency Management Office regional manager Dan Neely advised drivers to be cautious due to potential surface flooding and debris. A swell warning remains in effect until 6 pm. People should take care near roads and beaches exposed to the sea, especially around high tide.

Surfers, divers, recreational reef fishers, and surfcasters are advised to avoid exposed coastal areas until the warning is lifted. Boaters should check the forecast before heading out. Surface flooding was reported in Hutt City on The Esplanade and Jackson Street, which has since subsided. Flooding continues on Barnes Street and Port Road in Seaview.