A woman photographing huge waves rolling in from Cook Strait at Houghton Bay on Wellington's south coast on Thursday morning. Photo / Mark Mitchell
A woman photographing huge waves rolling in from Cook Strait at Houghton Bay on Wellington's south coast on Thursday morning. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Roads around Wellington have reopened after 10-metre-high swells and gale-force winds battered the south coast.
On Thursday morning the city council decided to close the coast roads west from Lyall Bay to Owhiro Bay due to the risk of rocks and debris being swept up.
Moa Point Rd on the south coast adjacent to Wellington Airport was closed around midnight last night.
The council advised at 11.30am that all roads on the south coast have since reopened following the storm cleanup this morning.
New Zealand’s Aviation Security Service has warned passengers flying out of Wellington Airport to arrive with time to spare.
“The bad weather means all flights are currently departing from the North Pier. We are trying to screen passengers as efficiently as possible but there will be queues.”
Waves smashing against the rocks at Wellington Airport. Photo / Mark Mitchell
If you are flying out of @WLGAirport today please arrive with extra time to spare. The bad weather means all flights are currently departing from the North Pier. We are trying to screen passengers as efficiently as possible but there will be queues. 🌧️
— Aviation Security Service of New Zealand (@AvSecNZ) March 29, 2023
MetService meteorologist Alec Holden said they have recorded swells of up to 10 metres rolling in across Baring Head – and the average wave height was between 6 and 7 metres.
The conditions have sparked a warning from Wellington Regional Emergency Management (WREMO) which is urging people in coastal areas to be wary.“Be prepared for surface flooding, debris impact in wave runup and deposition of driftwood, seaweed, sand and gravel.”
WREMO urged all water users to stay away today, as the waves batter the coastline and warned those driving to be careful especially in high-sided vehicles.
A road worker caught out by a huge wave breaking over the sea wall at Island Bay on Wellington's south coast. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Wellington Electricity is warning people to be prepared for power cuts as a result of falling trees or debris.
“If you spot a hazard such as downed power lines, or if you have any other safety concerns, phone our emergency line on 0800 248 148. Please treat all lines and electrical equipment as live at all times.”
“We can expect strong wind gusts up to 120km/hr and these could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.”
Waves breaking on rocks on Wellington's south coast. Photo / Adam Ray
Wellington through to Hastings is under a strong wind warning which will last until 6pm today for the capital and 3pm for Napier and Hastings.
There is also a heavy swell warning for Wellington to the Wairarapa which will last until 3pm.
All Interislander sailings have been cancelled through until this afternoon, and Bluebridge has cancelled all services up to 7.15pm.
