With strong winds and official weather warnings in place, Wellington and Wairarapa drivers are urged to take extra care on the roads today.

Metservice has a Strong Wind Warning in place for both regions, running from this morning until  2 am Saturday morning. Severe gale north-westerly winds gusting to 120 km/h are forecast for both regions.

A Heavy Rain warning is also in effect until Sunday evening for the Tararua Ranges.

It means drivers will have to take extra care, particularly on exposed routes like State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully.

Drivers of  high-sided vehicles (truck and vans), as well as motorcyclists. towing vehicles, and light vehicles must take extra care.

Road users must also be alert to the potential for hazards strong winds can bring - windblown debris, fallen trees, and downed power lines – and drive to the conditions.

Road users should also check road and weather conditions before they travel. bad weather can see roads closed at short notice

• Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)
• Metservice weather warnings(external link)
• Report a highway problem - 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)