Update 11:15pm:

State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill has reopened to traffic.

Care is still needed on the route as winds are still strong in the area. Drivers should exercise caution and drive to the conditions.

8pm:

The bad weather and strong winds affecting the Wellington region have closed State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill to all traffic this evening.

The closure is required for safety reasons, and the route will reopen when winds ease, and it is safe to do so. 

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and use an alternative route. 

With the Remutaka Hill closed the only other routes between  Wellington and Wairarapa are State Highway 3 Te Ahu a Turanga or the Pahiatua Track.

These are significantly longer routes and require much more time to travel.

A MetService Strong Wind Warning is in effect for the Wellington region until 9 pm tonight. Road users are urged to drive to the conditions and take extra care on the roads.

Updates will be provided when the highway’s status changes. Drivers should check road and weather conditions before they travel.

• Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)
• Metservice weather warnings(external link)