Weather update for Kapiti Coast

Kapiti Coast Residents Who Are in Wellington Are Advised to Stay with Friends And Family If Possible Or Access Accomodation for the Night.

If You Must Travel, Sh1 is the Best Route. It is Recommended You Get on the Road Early to Travel Home.

for Residents Heading From Kāpiti to Wellington the Advice is the Same. Please Stay on the Coast If You Can Or Leave as Soon as Possible.

Commuters could be in for a long journey with traffic at a standstill on Centennial Highway, the coastal stretch of SH1.

18 homes have been evacuated, mainly in Raumati where the Wharemauku stream has breached its banks. Surface flooding is reported from Paekākāriki to Ōtaki.

The Waikanae River has exceeded its 10 year level and there are concerns the river will rise higher with heavy rain forecast this evening, coinciding with a high tide.

A cyclist caught in floodwaters was rescued by police with a digger this afternoon.

Kāpiti Airport is expected to open shortly after being closed most of the day.

Paekakariki Hill will remain closed as will Valley Rd/Waterfall Rd/Emerald Glen/Maungakotukutuku Rd and Otaihanga Road.

An evacuation/welfare centre has been set up at the Community Centre in Paraparaumu and volunteers are on hand to deal with any commuters who can’t get home.

Residents are advised to stay away from Rivers and footbridges.

Many schools across the district closed early.

Council teams are offering sandbags to affected households. We are asking residents to pick up sandbags if they need them from the council depot in Fytefield Place, Paraparaumu.

ENDS

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