Update #4
Thursday 1 May 3.30pm
Wellington City Council’s public-facing facilities are closing early today due to the severe southerly storm affecting the region.
The city’s libraries and City Archives closed at 3pm. Swimming pools and recreation centres are due to close at 4pm. All sportsfields are closed for the day. The Toi Poneke arts centre is also now closed
Wellington Zoo, Wellington Museum, Space Place, Capital E and the Cable Car Museum are also closed. Planned events including this evening's theatrical performances at the St James Theatre and the Hannah Playhouse have been cancelled.
Members of the public are also urged to stay away from the Town Belt and other reserves due to the risk of falling trees. Council staff will check reserves from tomorrow and begin work to clear any fallen trees.
Update #3
Thursday 1 May 2pm
Wellington City Council’s public-facing facilities will close early today due to the severe southerly storm affecting the region. This includes swimming pools, libraries and recreation centres.
Council contractors are monitoring the South Coast and hotspot areas. Their main period of concern will be as high tide approaches around 8pm this evening.
The following roads are currently closed:
- Durham Street, Te Aro due to power lines. Contractors are on site but there is currently no ETA for opening.
- Takapu road, Tawa. Tree branches have taken out power lines. The tree branch has now been moved and lines are being restrung. The road will be open within the next hour.
- The Moa Point road tunnel under the airport is closed.
Council kaimahi are working closely with DCM and Wellington City Mission to support and provide shelter for the rough sleeper and vulnerable communities.
Update #2
Thursday 1 May 12.15pm
MetService New Zealand has issued a Red Strong Wind Warning for Wellington City, the Hutt Valley and Porirua. Visit WREMO for the latest update.
Update #1
Thursday 1 May 6.45am
At this stage all Council services are operating as per normal, including rubbish and recycling collection.
Key points:
- Take care when walking, cycling or driving as there may be surface flooding and debris, plus the risk of fallen trees and powerlines, or damaged infrastructure.
- Be particularly careful when driving around coastal roads that may be impacted by swells.
- Bring inside or secure any loose objects around your property.
- Stay up to date with weather warnings at metservice.com/warnings.
- Get information and tips at Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO).
- Some public transport services and flights may be impacted, so visit Metlink and Wellington Airport for further information.
- All Cook Strait ferry sailings have been cancelled until Friday 2 May afternoon.
- Check NZTA Waka Kotahi for State Highway updates around the region.
- Visit Wellington Electricity for information about power outages.
- Wellington Water recommends all recreational water users follow the advice of Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) which suggests staying out of the water for two to three days after heavy rain.
We ask the public to please be patient, travel to the conditions, and report slips or weather-related hazards to the Contact Centre by email at info@wcc.govt.nz, call 499 4444, fill in the webform or go through the FixIt App.