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Warning icon Wellington alerts: what you need to know

Last updated: 16:25pm 18/04/2026

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Severe weather

Heavy Rain Warning

SEVERE WEATHER

Monday 20 Apr 2026 - 13:41pm

UPDATE – 11:54am, Monday 20 April 

We are advising residents in low-lying, flood-prone, or landslip-prone areas – especially those who have experienced flooding before – to consider relocating for the next 24 hours.

Flood-prone areas are those that have experienced multiple flooding events in recent years. Please stay alert to changing weather conditions, monitor for rising water levels around your home and neighbourhood, assess your personal risk, and act immediately if you are in danger.

If it is safe to do so, consider staying with family or friends. Plan alternative travel routes, as some roads and bridges may be affected or closed.

Orange, heavy rain warnings are in effect for Wellington, Tararua Range and Kapiti Coast until midnight Tuesday 21 April.  

  • Slow-moving weather system producing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.  

  • Ground saturation is high following last night’s rainfall increasing the risk of slips.  

Impacts currently: Heavy rain overnight caused –  

  • Surface flooding and localised inundation around Wellington city suburbs     

  • Elevated river levels in Hutt River and Waiwhetū Stream    

  • Slips and debris affecting roads   

  • Conditions easing intermittently, but risk remains due to residual saturation  

  • SH1, SH2 SH 58 have been impacted due to surface flooding. NZTA will continue to provide updates about the state highways.  

  • There are also local roads impacted by flooding and slips.   

  • Monitor your local Council and WREMO social media for the latest updates. Follow any instructions from local Civil Defence authorities or emergency services regarding evacuation of your area.   

  • An Emergency Assistance Centre has been set up to help anyone evacuated from houses.  Location: Wellington City Mission, Oxford Terrace, off Adelaide Road Mount Cook.  

We are advising people to: 

  • Stay inside if your house is safe and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.  

  • Bring pets inside and move livestock to higher ground as they can become unsettled during a storm.  

  • If safe to do so, clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain.   

  • Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need help if it is safe to do so.  

  • Act quickly if you see rising water. Do not wait for official warnings. Move to higher ground.   

  • Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood water.  

  • Keep informed with the latest updates through MetService, WREMO and local council channels, media and radio.  

For information about school closures, contact your individual school. Please avoid unessential travel – public transport could have delays.  

This is an evolving situation with more weather to come – please be patient with people out supporting those impacted. 

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9.15am update.

The Wellington region is experiencing severe weather, with heavy rain overnight causing flash and surface flooding.

People should avoid all non-essential travel as further severe weather is expected accross Monday and into Tuesday. MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Warning for the above areas from 3pm Monday to midnight Tuesday.

Expect 80 to 120 mm to accumulate, but 150 to 250 mm about the ranges and coastal hills. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h, but 25 to 40 mm/h possible in localised places from Monday evening.
Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Due to earlier rain, avoid all non-essential travel. Never drive through floodwaters.
Clear stormwater drains to help prevent surface flooding if you haven't already.
Flash and surface flooding occurred across Wellington City.
Please check with your local Council Facebook pages and websites for information local to you, and keep an eye on the WREMO Facebook page for more frequent updates. 

Read emergency event information for the Wellington Region.

Wellington: what's affected?

Last updated: 16:25pm 18/04/2026

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Roads impacted in the Wellington area

Wellington City is New Zealand’s Capital, home to Central Government, and has a population of approximately 202,737.

Wellington City Council Facebook Feed

Contact Information

Contact Wellington City Council:   

Phone: 04 499 4444 

Email: info@wcc.govt.nz 

Website: http://wellington.govt.nz/ 

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