Wellington drivers will need be keeping a close  eye on their driving with bad weather forecast for the region later today and the rest of the week.

The Metservice has issued a Heavy Rain Watch and a Strong Wind warning for both Wellington and Wairarapa. They apply from later today (Wednesday) and run into Thursday. Rain warnings apply in Wellington until Friday afternoon.

Heavy rain increases the risk of slips, tree falls, localised flooding. It also creates slippery driving conditions.

Road users should also be prepared for strong winds, with severe south-west gales forecast. 

Drivers of high-sided vehicles (eg trucks, vans, campervans), light vehicles, towing vehicles, or motorcycles must be ready for wind hazards - especially on exposed routes like State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and the  Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully.

The bad weather will coincide with peak commuting periods on Thursday. It is essential road users drive to the conditions - reduce speed, increase following distances, and use headlights if visibility is poor. 

It is also advised to check road and weather conditions before you travel. Bad weather can see roads closed at short notice.

• Highway conditions - Wellington(external link)
• Metservice weather warnings(external link)
• Driving in bad weather(external link)

People travelling to the South Island should also be prepared for bad weather driving conditions. There is a Strong Wind Watch in place for the Marlborough Sounds from tonight, and a Strong Wind Warning for coastal Marlborough tomorrow (Thursday). More bad weather is also expected further south as well:

• First snow in Canterbury - Arthur’s Pass and Burkes Pass to Twizel, heavy rain and wind warnings could affect driving conditions