Metservice has forecast northwesterlies rising to gale strength in exposed places in the afternoon, as strong as 110km/h. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Emergency services are attending reports of loose roofing iron panels threatening to fly off a building in Wellington.
A part of Adelaide Rd between number 170 and 215 was closed due to the wild weather, but has since reopened.
A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said the panels were loose, but had now been secured.
Wellington City Council earlier advised motorists to expect delays travelling through the area.
Metservice has forecast northwesterlies rising to gale strength in exposed places in the afternoon, as strong as 110km/h.
The evening commute could also be a long one for those getting home by train.
Metlink has reported some services on the Johnsonville line have been cancelled due to a power outage.
There were also earlier reports of more than 1000 homes are affected in the suburbs of Hataitai, Kilbirnie, Roseneath and Oriental Bay.
The council said Wellington Electricity was investigating the cause and hope to have power restored by 5.30pm.
Just before 5pm, there were no known outages reported on its website.
Zealandia also closed its sanctuary this afternoon due to high winds.
"As always, safety of our staff and visitors is our highest priority. Apologies for any inconvenience," visitors were told.
Police said the explosive - believed to be an old grenade - has been taken away.