26 June

Strong winds and high seas have seen the closure of the Ngauranga to Petone shared path this afternoon.

The route is now CLOSED to cyclists and pedestrians until the bad weather eases.

The stormy conditions are also affecting the urban motorway. The left-hand lanes of State Highway 1 are affected by waves and spray from the harbour and have been closed.

Drivers heading into the Wellington CBD are urged to take extreme care driving on the route.

Meanwhile, bad weather continues to affect the lower North Island. Drivers must be prepared for heavy rain and strong winds on all local roads and highways.

25 June

Drivers in the lower North Island are set to have wet weather as well as severe winds to contend with on Friday.

25 June: Drivers in the lower North Island are set to have wet weather as well as severe winds to contend with on Friday. The Metservice has upgraded its weather alerts for the region. A Heavy Rain Warning has been issued for the Tararua Ranges, Wairarapa south of Masterton, and Wellington excluding Porirua. It applies from 6 am to midnight on Friday. A Strong Wind Warning also applies during Friday with severe gale southerlies forecast.

The Metservice has upgraded its weather alerts for the region. A Heavy Rain Warning has been issued for the Tararua Ranges, Wairarapa south of Masterton, and Wellington excluding Porirua. It applies from 6 am to midnight on Friday.

A Strong Wind Warning also applies during Friday with severe gale southerlies forecast.

This means drivers can expect to see challenging driving conditions and weather-related hazards across the region. They will affect both the morning and early evening peak traffic periods.

Drivers are urged to take extra care and drive to the conditions while the bad weather continues.

Strong winds and heavy rain increase the risk of flooding, slips, rock and treefalls. Road users must be prepared for these hazards.

With swell warnings also in place, users of the Ngauranga to Petone shared path must exercise caution on the route – particularly around high tide (approximately 2:30 pm). During strong winds and heavy swells, waves and spray can affect the route.

Bad weather can see roads closed at short notice. People should check road and weather conditions before they travel.

24 June

With bad weather forecast for both the lower North Island and top of the South Island, drivers are urged to take extra care when travelling.

Lower North Island

The MetService has issued an Orange Level Wind Warning for Wellington from Thursday night through to Friday evening. Severe southerly gales are forecast for the region.

This means road users must be ready for strong winds, particularly drivers of high-sided vehicles (vans, trucks, campervans), towing vehicles, light vehicles, and motorcyclists.

Caution will be needed on exposed routes like Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully and State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill. Cyclists and pedestrians should also exercise care on the Ngauranga to Petone shared path.

Severe winds also increase the risk of treefalls, downed power lines, and wind-blown debris. Road users must be prepared for such hazards and drive to the conditions.

Top of the South Island

Severe southerly gales and an Orange Wind Warning also apply for the Marlborough Sounds and southern Marlborough (east of Seddon) from Thursday night until Friday night.

This will affect traffic on State Highway 1. People travelling between Picton and Ward should exercise caution on the route.

Meanwhile, an Orange Level Rain Warning has been issued for inland parts of the Tasman District, west of Motueka. It applies from 11 am to midnight today.

This bad weather will affect State Highway 60 - Tākaka Hill and Tākaka Valley.

Road users can expect wet weather driving conditions and are encouraged to drive with caution.

This means reducing speed, increasing following distances, avoiding sudden braking, using headlights when visibility is poor, and being ready for hazards such as localised flooding, slips and rockfalls.