Wellington and Kāpiti Coast drivers are urged to keep a close eye on the weather and road conditions later today.

MetService has issued multiple weather warnings for the region. These include a severe Thunderstorm Watch for Manawatū and Kāpiti-Horowhenua, and a Heavy Swell Warning for the Kāpiti-Porirua Coast.

The Thunderstorm Watch will affect State Highway 1 north of Paekākariki between 4 pm and 7:30 pm today. Strong wind gusts are forecast, meaning driving conditions may be challenging.

The Heavy Swell Warning is in effect for 12 hours from 6 pm and may affect State Highway 59 between Pukerua Bay and Paekākariki. Waves of up to 4.5 metres are predicted with the highest risk expected at high tide (around midnight).

Drivers are urged to be ready for the pending bad weather, particularly with the forecast thunderstorms expected to coincide with peak evening traffic.

Driving to the conditions is essential, and road users must be prepared for potential hazards – high winds, heavy rain, and debris from wind and waves.

Drivers are encouraged to check road and weather conditions before they travel and to report any highway problems to NZTA/Waka Kotahi.

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• Metservice weather warnings(external link)
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