After a weekend of heavy rain and flash floods, drivers in the lower North Island can expect to see more bad weather and challenging driving conditions this week.

The MetService has issued further weather alerts for the region with both Wellington and Wairarapa to be affected.

An Orange Level Heavy Rain Warning is in force for the Tararua Ranges, the Wairarapa and Tararua Districts, Wellington south of Tawa, and also the Hutt Valley. It runs from 11 am on Monday until 6 pm Tuesday. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast.

A Heavy Rain Watch (Yellow) has been issued for the Horowhenua-Kāpiti Coast, and a Strong Wind Watch also applies. 

The bad weather coincides with the start of the new school term and expected increased traffic volumes. 

Drivers are urged to take extra care on the roads, particularly during morning and afternoon peak commuting periods. 

Driving to the conditions is essential. This means reducing speed, increasing following distances, avoiding sudden braking, and using headlights when visibility is poor.

Road users must also be ready for weather-related driving hazards. The wider Wellington region has experienced significant rain over the weekend. It means there is an increased risk of slips, rockfalls, localised flooding, and other disruptions on local highways.

Drivers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, check road and weather conditions, and be up to date on the latest information before they travel.

• Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)
• MetService weather warnings(external link)
• Driving in bad weather(external link)
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) – report a highway problem