People who are in Wellington City who live in the Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Kapiti should delay their trip home as long as possible and keep an eye on the NZ Transport Agency website.
Two northbound and southbound lanes on SH2 are open but there are speed restrictions in place and traffic is heavy, so it could be a slow trip home.
One northbound lane on State Highway 1 is open now but there will be significant delays. State Highway 58 between Paremata and Pauatahanui is closed because of slips and flooding and is not expected to reopen tonight.
Wellington City Civil Defence Controller Amber Bill says it is hoped SH1 will be fully reopened later this evening.
“We’re recommending people delay leaving town until they are certain they will be able to get home.”
If you decide or need to stay in town, please try to make arrangements with friends or family, or check WellingtonNZ for hotel or backpacker accommodation.
A drop-in centre is operating at St Andrews on The Terrace until 10pm today where people can spend time or meet people while they are waiting for travel updates.
The Johnsonville Community Centre will also be open till 9pm for anyone who wants a break or to wait a while before they hit the road.
Trains are operating hourly on the Hutt line. It is possible to take the train to Porirua but at this stage you can’t travel further north by rail.
For public transport updates, check Metlink. The situation is changing all the time.
For up-to-date advice on highways in the Wellington region, check NZ Transport Agency.
Update on central city road closures and slips
One lane of Featherston Street has been reopened to traffic this afternoon.
We are in the process of closing part of Molesworth Street between Hill Street and Pipitea Street because of concerns about a building on this section of the street. It is uncertain at this stage how long the closure will be in place.
There are lots of slips affecting roads around the city that contractors are working to clear.
A slip has affected a section of Shelly Bay Road south of the old Air Force base and may take a few days to clear. The road is open on either side of the slip.
Takerau Gorge Road is closed because of concerns about the river level and slips.
A slip is affecting South Makara Road south of the golf course and the road is likely to be closed for up to a week.
There are slips on Hutchison Road between Mt Cook and Vogeltown. The road is open but down to one lane.
Other updates
- Lukes Lane is cordoned off at both ends as there are safety concerns is a sign that has come loose and needs removing.
- The James Smiths car park is closed as it needs to be assessed.
For people who live in Wellington City, the Wellington Civil Defence Emergency Map has critical emergency information specific to your suburb.
For further updates follow us on Facebook or Twitter or refer to Wellington Region Emergency Management (WREMO).