Woman Blown Into Traffic By Wind

Dashcam footage from New Zealand captures the terrifying moment when nature’s fury literally throws a woman into oncoming traffic.

Story Snapshot

  • Woman blown into busy Wellington intersection by 75 mph winds during morning commute
  • Alert drivers prevented tragedy by stopping just in time as pedestrian landed in traffic
  • Incident occurred during Orange-level Strong Wind Warning, New Zealand’s second-highest alert
  • Viral dashcam video demonstrates dangerous reality of extreme weather in urban environments

Extreme Weather Creates Traffic Chaos

October 21, 2025, began as a typical morning commute in Wellington, New Zealand, until nature unleashed its power in spectacular fashion. Around 8:00 AM local time, dashcam footage captured a woman being literally lifted off her feet and hurled into a busy intersection by a powerful wind gust reaching 75 mph. The dramatic incident unfolded during an Orange-level Strong Wind Warning, highlighting the genuine dangers posed by extreme weather conditions in urban settings.

Wellington Airport recorded over 12 hours of sustained gusts exceeding 40 mph, with peak winds reaching the 75 mph threshold that proved capable of moving human bodies like debris. The MetService had issued warnings forecasting potential gusts over 85 mph, advising residents about risks to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures. However, this incident demonstrated that pedestrians themselves can become dangerous projectiles in such conditions.

Watch: Woman Shoved Into Oncoming Traffic By Powerful Wind In New Zealand

Quick-Thinking Drivers Prevent Disaster

Two motorists approaching the intersection displayed remarkable reflexes and situational awareness as the woman suddenly appeared in their path. Both vehicles managed to stop in time, preventing what could have been a fatal collision. The woman was able to walk away from the incident without reported injuries, though the close call serves as a stark reminder of how quickly weather can transform routine situations into emergencies.

The incident occurred during Wellington’s morning rush hour, when pedestrian and vehicular traffic typically reaches peak levels. The timing could have made the situation far more catastrophic, but the alert driving and quick reactions of multiple motorists prevented tragedy. This demonstrates the importance of heightened awareness and reduced speeds during severe weather warnings, particularly in urban areas where pedestrians and vehicles share space.

Wellington’s Geographic Vulnerability Exposed

Wellington’s unique position between the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean creates a natural wind tunnel effect through the Cook Strait, making the city particularly susceptible to extreme wind events. The city regularly experiences gusts exceeding 40 mph, but the October 2025 weather system proved exceptionally powerful. Local authorities reported multiple wind-related incidents during the warning period, including a fatality from a falling branch elsewhere in Wellington.

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Video: Lucky reprieve for woman blown into busy road by fierce winds in New Zealand
Woman shoved into oncoming traffic by wind in Wellington, New Zealand