Key Takeaways
- State Highway 58 is closed between Pāuatahanui and Haywards due to severe weather.
- MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the lower North Island, including Kāpiti Coast, Upper Hutt, Hutt, Porirua, Wellington, and South Wairarapa.
- Expect torrential rain, damaging wind gusts, and possible flash flooding; isolated flooding reports have already been received.
- Storms are tracking southeast, moving near Wellington and surrounding suburbs from 9:00 am to 9:30 am, with lingering impacts through the morning.
- Additional heavy‑rain watches cover the Tararua Range, Kāpiti Coast, northern Wellington, parts of Northland, and the Richmond/Bryant Ranges in the South Island.
- A strong wind watch for Wellington predicts northerly winds approaching severe gale strength in exposed areas.
- The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advises taking shelter indoors, securing loose objects, clearing drains, and avoiding trees and waterways during the storm.
- After the storm, watch for fallen trees, downed power lines, and avoid streams or drains that may cause flash flooding.
- Residents are encouraged to stay updated via official channels and can subscribe to the Ngā Pitopito Kōrero daily newsletter for ongoing alerts.
Current Road Closure
State Highway 58 remains shut between the settlements of Pāuatahanui and Haywards. The closure was implemented early this morning as a precaution against rising water levels and the risk of landslides triggered by the intense rainfall associated with the approaching thunderstorm system. Transport authorities urge motorists to seek alternative routes and to follow detour signs posted by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). The road will remain closed until conditions improve and safety inspections confirm it is safe for traffic.
MetService Severe Thunderstorm Warning
MetService has activated a severe thunderstorm warning for a broad swathe of the lower North Island. The warning encompasses Kāpiti Coast, Upper Hutt City, Hutt City, Porirua City, Wellington City, and South Wairarapa. Forecasts indicate the storms will deliver torrential rain, with rainfall rates potentially exceeding 30 mm per hour, and damaging wind gusts that could reach or exceed 110 km/h in exposed locations. The combination of heavy rain and strong winds raises the likelihood of flash flooding, particularly in low‑lying areas and near watercourses.
Affected Areas and Expected Impacts
The warned region includes both urban centres and surrounding rural zones. In Wellington and its suburbs, the storm is expected to bring sudden downpours that could overwhelm stormwater drains, leading to surface flooding on roads and pathways. Coastal communities such as Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay may experience elevated sea‑spray and wind‑driven spray, while inland areas like the Hutt Valley face the risk of rapid river rise. Emergency services have already logged several calls reporting localized flooding, prompting crews to monitor vulnerable sites and assist residents as needed.
Timing and Movement of the Storm System
At approximately 9:00 am, the core of the severe thunderstorms was positioned offshore near Mana Island, tracking southeast toward Wellington, Porirua, Paekākāriki, and Pukerua Bay. By 9:30 am, the system had progressed closer to the mainland, influencing weather over Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, and Wainuiomata. The storm’s forward motion is expected to continue southeastward, maintaining periods of intense rain and gusty winds through the late morning before gradually weakening as it moves away from the capital region.
Additional Weather Watches
Beyond the immediate thunderstorm warning, MetService has issued several heavy‑rain watches. A watch for the Tararua Range, Kāpiti Coast, and parts of Wellington north of the harbour runs from 6:00 am Saturday until 2:00 am Sunday, anticipating further bouts of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms. In the far north, a heavy‑rain watch covers northern and eastern Northland north of Whangārei from 9:00 pm Saturday to 5:00 am Sunday, where localized downpours could approach warning levels. The South Island’s Richmond and Bryant Ranges, along with sections of the Tasman District northwest of Motueka, are under a heavy‑rain watch from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday.
Strong Wind Watch for Wellington
Complementing the rain‑related alerts, a strong wind watch is in effect for Wellington from 6:00 am to 11:00 am Saturday. Forecasts indicate northerly winds that may reach severe gale strength—typically defined as sustained speeds of 62–74 km/h with gusts exceeding 90 km/h—in exposed coastal and elevated locations. Such winds can pose hazards to unsecured structures, vehicles, and outdoor activities, and may exacerbate rain‑driven flooding by driving water inland.
National Emergency Management Agency Guidance
NEMA advises the public to take several precautionary steps as the storms approach. Individuals should seek shelter indoors, preferably away from windows, to reduce injury from flying debris or broken glass. If outdoors, avoid sheltering under trees, which can topple or shed limbs in high winds. Those on the water should return to shore promptly. Motorists are encouraged to move vehicles under cover or away from trees and to secure any loose objects around properties, such as garden furniture or rubbish bins, that could become projectiles. Clearing drains and gutters helps mitigate surface water buildup, and drivers should be prepared to slow down or stop if conditions deteriorate.
Safety Measures During and After the Storm
During the thunderstorm, continued vigilance is essential. Watch for fallen trees and downed power lines; treat all downed lines as live and keep a safe distance. Avoid walking or driving through streams, drains, or flooded roadways, as flash‑flow conditions can develop rapidly and sweep away vehicles or pedestrians. After the storm passes, inspect your property for damage, report hazards to local authorities, and avoid entering unstable structures until they have been assessed. Community members are encouraged to check on neighbours, especially the elderly or those with limited mobility, to ensure everyone remains safe.
Staying Informed
Residents can receive real‑time updates through MetService’s website and mobile alerts, local council notifications, and radio broadcasts. For a curated summary of the day’s Most important news, including weather alerts and emergency information, consider subscribing to the Ngā Pitopito Kōrero newsletter, which is delivered each weekday morning. Staying informed enables timely decisions that protect life and property amid rapidly changing conditions.