Swells could rise to 7 metres this evening and overnight, MetService said (file image).
Photo: RNZ/Reece Baker
Wellingtonians are being warned to stay off south coast beaches as severe southerly winds and heavy rain strike the region this evening, with all regional flights to and from the capital cancelled.
Severe weather warnings are in place for a large part of the lower North Island, and some parts of the upper South Island.
Swells could rise to seven metres this evening and overnight, MetService said.
Wellington’s weather warnings are:
An orange heavy rain warning from 3pm Sunday until 7pm for the eastern hills of Wellington, also Wairarapa, Tararua District and the Tararua Range;
A heavy swell warning from 7pm Sunday until midday Monday from Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head;
An orange strong wind warning from 6pm Sunday until 3pm Monday;
A heavy rain watch from 7pm Sunday until 5pm Monday for Wellington, away from the eastern hills.
Wellington City Council said large sea swells are expected later today and could throw up debris or cause damage to people or property.
It said people should also keep away from the beaches because of the ongoing discharge of untreated sewage from the shutdown of the Moa Point treatment plant.
Last week, the facility completely failed – sending tens of millions of litres per day of raw sewage into the Cook Strait.
The wind toppled this dead tree in the Wellington suburb of Mount Cook, taking down power lines to at least one house.
Photo: RNZ / John Gerritsen
The council said in windy conditions, there’s a risk seaspray containing bugs could cause illness.
Wellington Water is also warning that raw sewage may need to be pumped out of the plant due to the increased pressure from incoming rain.
“The focus today is to minimise any need to use the short outfall while keeping our operators safe.”
The water company said its latest round of testing showed some high levels of bacteria in the results, which was expected.
Flight disruptions
Air New Zealand chief operating officer Alex Marren told RNZ due to prevailing high winds, the airline had made the decision to cancel all regional flights in and out of Wellington for the remainder of the day.
“Safety is paramount, and these conditions are outside our operating limits for our regional aircraft.
“At this stage, jet services are continuing to operate in and out of the city. However, we are monitoring conditions closely and there may be impacts to jet services later this evening.”
Marren said their teams were working to rebook impacted customers on the next available service as quickly as possible.
“We encourage customers travelling to or from Wellington and across the network to keep an eye on the Air NZ app or website for the most up to date information about their flight.”
Wellington Electricity is also warning those in the capital to prepare.
“Make sure trampolines and other outdoor objects are secured for safety reasons, and to prevent them from damaging property and overhead electrical equipment.”
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