Winds are starting to strengthen in the capital as storm force gales and heavy rain are expected to lash parts of New Zealand devastated by this morning's quake.
Severe weather warnings are in force as the weather begins to deteriorate across the top of the South Island and lower North Island.
MetService meteorologist Tom Adams said winds of up to 140km/h were expected to hurtle across Cook Strait this afternoon before moving into Wellington tonight.
Adams said the winds would be potentially treacherous given the number of unsecured structures around the capital.
"One of the big impacts will be the winds in Wellington because of the damage in the central business district."