9PM UPDATE
A further update from MetService, who say to expect between 50 to 80 mm of rain between now and 6am tomorrow for the Tararua Range, Wairarapa south of Masterton, and Wellington.
The wind warning for Wellington has been downgraded to a watch and is set to expire at midnight, as is the swell warning.
We have seen impacts from the rain in Wairarapa, with many local roads closed due to flooding, as well as SH53 Waihenga Bridge and SH2 northbound at Waingawa.
Continue to follow the local councils and NZTA for roading updates.
Power outages remain across Wellington and Wairarapa, although are now well down on the peak of around 4000 during the day. Crews are working hard to get power back on for as many people as possible tonight.
Flights in and out of Wellington have continued to be cancelled through the evening. Please contact your airline if you are impacted.
Slips and landslides have occured across the region. Even once the rain stops, the risk will still remain, so please be vigilant in looking out for the signs: https://www.wremo.nz/hazards/other-hazards#Landslide
6.15PM UPDATE
Updated forecasts in from MetService New Zealand below:
Heavy rain warning - orange
The Tararua Range, Wairarapa south of Masterton, and Wellington from 5pm today to 6am tomorrow. Expect 60 to 90 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, especially about the ranges. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm/h.
Strong wind warning - orange
From 5pm - 9pm today for Wellington, severe gale southerlies with gusts of 120 km/h in exposed places. Note, gale southerlies may also approach severe gale after the warning period tonight and before dawn on Saturday.
5PM UPDATE
If you're still out and about, now is probably the time to head home, and stay home for the night.
With heavy rain, winds and heavy swells still forecast for much of the rest of the evening, we'd encourage people to be getting home and staying home.
If you do still have to travel home, please take extreme care, particularly around roads near the sea/harbour.
There are a number of local road closures across the region. Please check you local council website or social media for updates. SH1 on the Urban Motorway southbound still has lanes closed due to swells coming onto the road.
There have been a number of slips reported across the region, so please take heed of our advice from our previous post about watching for the signs of coming landslides.
Power is still out for around 1100 homes in Wellington Electricity's area and around 400 for PowerCo over in the Wairarapa.
1.30PM UPDATE
That wind isn't letting up just yet, so please continue to take care out there.
The worst of the rain is also forecast to come from around 6pm onwards, so if you can, try to take the rain precautions listed below before dark.
Flights are still impacted into Wellington Airport. Please contact your airline for more information.
Power outages have hit parts of the Hutt Valley, Johnsonville, Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay. Wellington Electricity are working hard to get this restored as quickly as possible today. You can follow WE safety advice for what to do in an outage: https://www.welectricity.co.nz/.../reporting-a-power-outage
Wellington Water reports the Moa Point wastewater treatment plan's short outfall is currently discharging untreated, unscreened wastewater into Tarakena Bay, and it is likely to be travelling around the coastline.
Check https://www.lawa.org.nz/ before visiting beaches along the south coast.
Follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Wellington for up to date information about local highways. The sea spray and swells has been impacting the urban motorway, while the shared path between Ngauranga and Petone (Te Ara Tupua) is closed.
9.30AM UPDATE
We have started to see some impacts from the weather warnings today, including power outages, flights and ferries cancelled, and reports of trees downs and roofs lifting.
We are working closely with our local councils and emergency services partners to actively monitor and manage the situation. Please continue to follow their channels for local updates.
We urge the public to take caution if they are out and about today, and to stay home if possible.
Rain
- Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
- Take extra care on the roads.
- Clear stormwater drains to help prevent surface flooding if it is safe to do so.
Wind
- Strong wind gusts like these have already started damaging trees and powerlines.
- We would encourage people to avoid parks and reserves due to the danger presented by falling trees and branches.
- If you haven’t already and it is safe to do so, you should secure any outdoor items like wheelie bins, trampolines and outdoor furniture that may blow around.
Swells
- Take care walking or driving along roads exposed to the sea today. There is a risk of water and debris coming onto the roads around Wellington and Wairarapa's south coast.
- We would strongly encourage people to not head out on their boats today.
Landslide
With the worst of the rain today still to come this evening, it's important to look out for the signs of slips and landslide.
Landslides can happen without warning, so stay alert and look out for the warning signs and act quickly if you see them:
- Small slips, rock falls, and sinking land, at the bottom of slopes.
- Sticking doors and window frames, which may mean the land is slowly moving under the building.
- Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly.
- Steps, decks, and verandas, moving or tilting away from the rest of the building.
- New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces.
- Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences.
Get out of the path of the landslide quickly. Evacuate if the building you are in is in danger.
Even once the rain goes away, the risk still remains, so people should remain vigilant.
Find out what to do before, during and after a landslide at getready.govt.nz/landslides
