High winds and rain hit centre of country

Just one flight into Wellington Airport has been cancelled so far this morning, despite high winds buffeting the capital.

The Air NZ flight from Auckland was turned around this morning despite flights from smaller centres being able to land.

A handful of flights were running up to half an hour late.

Northwest gales are already affecting areas of Wairarapa, Wellington and Marlborough. They were expected to gust to 120km/h or 130km/h at times in exposed places for much of the day, said MetService forecaster Gerard Barrow.

Such winds could lift roofs, damage trees and powerlines and make driving hazardous.

Rain in the Tararua Range, north of Wellington, was expected to become heavy with thunderstorms early this afternoon and 60-90mm is likely to accumulate in a nine to 12 hour period.

People in the areas should watch out for rapidly rising streams and rivers, Mr Barrow said.

- NZPA