Opinion: Weather stark reminder how vulnerable we are

Contractors clean up the large oak tree which came down during the storm in Rotorua, killing Trish Butterworth. Photo/Ben Fraser

When us media types warn our readers of a storm brewing, we realise a majority of you tend to adjust your plans.

You might decide not to wash those towels and sheets, you put off the day trip to the beach and if the storm is a real biggie, you might take steps to make sure the trampoline or anything loose around the house is tied down.

But very rarely do we actually think our lives are in danger when fierce weather strikes.

Sadly, in Rotorua we now know it is.

The freak incident that saw Rotorua pre-school teacher Trish Butterworth die on Friday when a tree fell on her car during the peak of a storm has shaken us all - not just those who knew and loved her.

Tributes on Facebook are flowing for a woman described as kind, gracious, loving and an amazing teacher.

Her death has prompted those who don't know her to visit the place of her death and pay tribute with notes and flowers.

Others are just in disbelief that something so tragic can happen right in the centre of our city.

When news of her death broke on Friday, people's reactions to the weather on social media quickly turned to one of legitimate fear.

Suddenly people were taking the warnings more seriously. They were not only cancelling their road trips out of town but were also opting to hunker down at home rather than run errands in town.

We don't live in a tropical paradise where one day is perfect and the next is even more perfect.

New Zealand's weather is wild and varying. It's part of our beauty but it's also a danger.

Our sincere condolences go to Trish Butterworth's family and friends as they battle with the shock of losing her.