With bad weather and sea conditions forecast, Wellington and Kāpiti Coast drivers will need to take extra care on the roads this afternoon and overnight.

MetService has multiple warnings in place for the region. It includes a Heavy Swell Warning for Kāpiti-Porirua coast, and a Strong Wind Warning for Wellington.

A Strong Wind Watch has also been issued for the Wairarapa and Tararua Districts

The Strong Wind Warning  for Wellington runs from three o’clock this afternoon until six am tomorrow (Thursday).

It will affect peak commuter travel this afternoon and evening. Drivers of high-sided vehicles (trucks, vans, campervans), light vehicles, and motorcycles must exercise caution – particularly on exposed routes like State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully.

The Heavy Swell Warning is in effect for six hours from 3 am to 9 am on Thursday morning and could affect State Highway 59 between Pukerua Bay and Paekākariki. Waves of up to 4.5 metres are predicted.

Drivers must be ready for the pending bad weather. Driving to the conditions is essential, and road users must be prepared for potential hazards the bad weather may bring.