Caution urged for stormy day ahead
Monday, 4 March 2024
Wellington is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 6pm, with the potential for extremely heavy rain.
There are several flight delays and cancellations at Wellington Airport because of the weather around the country.
Waka Kotahi has reopened the Remutaka Hill Rd after blustery winds caused a truck to tip over.
Meanwhile the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office advised people to secure outdoor furniture in preparation for a stormy day ahead.
The rain has so far been less than expected – MetService forecasts dropped from 20mm in two hours to just 4mm. No heavy downpours are forecast this afternoon, though the city is still under a heavy rain watch.
The severe thunderstorm watch applies to Kāpiti, Wairarapa and Wellington, as well as several other cities and regions south of the Waikato.
It is not yet a warning, but the watch means the weather conditions could lead to downpours and lightning.
Wellington and Wairarapa are both under a strong wind watch, with northwesterlies that could approach a gale.
On X, Wellington Region Emergency Management advised that there could be rainfall of up to 40mm per hour during thunderstorms in Wellington, Kāpiti and Wairarapa.
That much rain could cause flash flooding, especially near streams, rivers and in valleys.
People should be looking out for threatening weather, WREMO wrote.
Things you can do to prepare:
Secure loose objects on your property.
Check that drains and gutters are clear.
Be ready to slow or stop while driving.
Avoid streams and waterways.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast.