Flash flooding cuts off capital

All roads out of Wellington were closed by flash flooding for a period this morning.

State Highway 1 was closed by flooding at Paekakariki but was reopened to one lane early this afternoon, Wellington police said. Motorists were advised they faced lengthy delays getting in or out of the capital.

State Highway 2 over the Rimuntaka Hills reopened early afternoon after flooding closed the road at Kaitoke this morning.

Police said two alternative roads into Wellington -- the Paekakariki Hill road and the Akatarawa road -- remained closed.

- NZPA