Helene Olafsen and Jørgen Nilsen hit by the wild weather: 'It was absolutely crazy'

Kiwis are no strangers to a bit of changing weather, but even for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, nature's power can get a bit much. Former TV host and freestyle skier Helene Olafsen and her husband Jørgen Nilsen got a close-up reminder of that recently when a big storm hit their local area. What was supposed to be a quiet weekend at home quickly turned into a battle against the elements.

The couple, usually known for sharing everyday moments and adventurous activities on social media, suddenly had to focus on other priorities. The wind gusts were so powerful they knocked out the power grid, and massive amounts of rain caused trouble in unexpected spots. Helene Olafsen has previously spoken fondly about living in the area, but this weekend was anything but idyllic.

Dealing with a flooded basement and blocked roads

According to what the couple shared during that intense period, one particular night really stood out. 'It sounded like someone was hammering on the walls,' Helene Olafsen told her followers when morning finally arrived. Along with Jørgen, they had to quickly take action to save their belongings. The situation was far from under control, and several others in the neighbourhood were in the same boat. Here's some of what the couple had to handle:

• Power cut: The whole house was in darkness for hours, making it impossible to check the weather forecast or cook dinner.
• Flooding: The rain found its way into the basement, forcing both Helene and Jørgen to grab buckets and pumps to try and limit the damage.
• Fallen trees: The area around their property was blocked by several large trees that couldn't handle the gusts, making it impossible to get the car out.

It's not the first time Norwegian celebrities have felt the sting of an autumn storm, but for Helene Olafsen and Jørgen Nilsen, it was a stark reminder that you're never completely safe, no matter how well prepared you think you are. Despite the chaos, the couple have managed to keep their sense of humour. In an update the day after the storm, they reported they'd thankfully escaped the worst of the property damage, even if the garden looks more like a battlefield than a tidy lawn.

'We've just got to laugh about it now'

Jørgen Nilsen, who comes from an elite sports background, is known for taking most things in his stride. 'There's not much we can do about the weather, so we've just got to laugh about it now,' was his dry take on the situation. Helene Olafsen nodded in agreement, adding that this will definitely be a story they'll look back on and reminisce about in years to come – once the damage is fixed and the power is back on for good.

While the clean-up is in full swing, our thoughts are with everyone who was hit by the wild weather this time around. And who knows, maybe we'll see Helene Olafsen and Jørgen Nilsen back on the telly soon, ready to tell the story of the weekend nature came knocking on their door a bit too hard.