A state of emergency has been declared for Wellington's Southern and Eastern wards ahead of huge swells expected to hit the coast over the next few days.
MetService has issued a Heavy Swell Warning for Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head in Wellington and Turakirae Head to Mataikona in the Wairarapa.
A southerly weather system moving up the country is bringing the swells to Cook Strait from Monday evening through to Wednesday morning.
It says southerly combined waves could rise to 9.5-10.5 metres late Tuesday morning, before easing midday Wednesday, with a peak period of 13-15 seconds.
Cook Strait ferry sailings have been cancelled ahead of the swells.
Wellington City mayor Andrew Little declared the State of Emergency for the region's Southern and Eastern wards late this afternoon.
In a statement, the Wellington City Council said it recommended that residents of South Coast waterfront properties and those who are concerned about flooding stay somewhere else tonight.
"Residents of the South Coast can expect extensive road closures on Tuesday, 9 June. We require those in affected areas, including pets, to be out of properties no later than 9 am on Tuesday, 9 June.
"An Emergency Assistance Centre has been set up at Wellington South Baptist church, 284 The Parade, will be open from 9 pm Monday, 8 June, for those who don't have a place to go tonight.
Wellington Civil Defence spokesperson Dan Neely said the public should stay out of the water and avoid beaches and coastal areas, even if the weather looks fine.
Swells on Wellington's south coast in 2020. Photo: RNZ / Hamish Cardwell
"In 2020 a heavy swell event struck Wellington's south coast with 5.5-metre waves pounding coastal suburbs, causing widespread damage and evacuations. Tomorrow, we expect the swells could be up to 8m around Wellington's south coast, so we are preparing for a significant swell event and asking the public to do the same.
"The sun might be shining but these swells could bring debris and surface flooding to roads, especially around high tide at midday. The public is urged to avoid Wellington's south coast roads, as well as coastal roads around Wairarapa. Extreme caution should be taken if you have to drive on these roads."
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Neely said emergency services, councils and partner agencies were working together to respond to the event.
All people living in affected areas have been issued the following advice:
- If your home has been impacted by past swell and storm events or are in exposed coastlines prepare to self evacuate.
- If you cannot arrange accommodation, call your local council for assistance.
- If you are planning to say, prepare a grab bag with supplies relevant to your family in case you have to leave with short notice.
- People living close to swell and surf exposed coastlines should be prepared for the possibility of waves flooding roads and leaving debris, with potential for road closures, and potential damage to property.
- Move important items out of harm's way, particularly if they are in low-lying garages. Bring pets inside.
- Check on neighbours who might need some support.
'Don't take the dog for a walk'
Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the weather system will affect the south coast of Wellington and Wairarapa and parts of the eastern coast of South Island.
The height and long period of the swells would cause them to carry a lot of energy and a greater potential to run up the beaches, he said.
"Tomorrow won't be a good day to go out on any sort of southern coastlines, especially around Wellington. Don't take the dog for a walk; don't go just to see the large waves roll in," he said.
Residents should heed local authorities' warnings and not go out to the coast, he said. He said authorities might need to access the coast for sandbagging and other preparations.
The worst of the swells were expected during high tide at midday and early afternoon on Tuesday.
Strong wind watches are in place for parts of the lower North Island and the Otago coast.
Bluebridge's website says the 8.30pm Wellington to Picton sailing on Monday has been cut, as have three services on Tuesday morning.
Interislander cancelled all its Tuesday sailings.
The ferry companies say they are contacting customers who will be moved onto the next available service.
An orange heavy swell warning kicks in from Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head from 6am Tuesday, lasting through to the same time Wednesday.
MetService is forecasting southerly combined waves rising to 7-8 metres by midday Tuesday, easing in the evening.
The same warning starts in Wairarapa from Turakirae Head to Mataikona from midnight on Monday through to noon on Wednesday.
"Southerly swell rising to 4 metres early Tuesday morning, then rapidly rising to 8-9 metres late Tuesday morning, easing below wave warning criteria Wednesday midday," Metservice said.
A strong wind watch is also in place in coastal parts of Wairarapa and the Tararua District on Tuesday.
It is also in effect in coastal parts of Clutha and Dunedin from 9 pm on Monday.
-RNZ
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