Update as at 11am

Following severe rainfall overnight and MetService forecasting strong wind and heavy rain watches for the Wellington region this afternoon, here’s what you need to know.

There has been flooding and landslips especially around the southern suburbs – Island Bay, Berhampore, Newtown, Brooklyn, Mornington and the Basin Reserve area especially. We’re working with FENZ and Police re: reports of slips impacting houses in Brooklyn and Mornington.

Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are urged to take extra care, there may be manhole covers dislodged, and slips and debris on roadways.

Key information:

• Wellington City Council services and facilities remain open.
• Wellington Zoo and Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne are both closed for the day.
• Rubbish and recycling collections are operating currently, although those with collections today are advised not to put out their rubbish or recycling if possible and to wait for their next collection. Ensure they have the bin clip on if they must put bins out, and to bring bins and crates in quickly after being emptied.
• One lane around Basin Reserve is closed while Wellington Water repairs a damaged stormwater manhole by intersection with Adelaide Road.
• Wellington City Mission Whakamaru is open for people to take shelter and where evacuees are currently being taken to.
• Newtown Salvation Amy drop-in is open 9am – 3pm today for people to get out of the weather.
• All Council grass fields are closed, but artificial ones remain open. Keep an eye on their status here.
• Stay up-to-date with weather warnings: Weather Warnings and Watches | MetService.
• Get information and tips at Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO)
• Check the NZTA Waka Kotahi website for State Highway updates around the region.
• Check Metlink for public transport updates.
• Keep an eye on Council social media channels for further updates: Wellington City Council Facebook page
• Visit Wellington Electricity for information about power outages: Outages | Wellington Electricity
• Wellington Water recommends all recreational water users follow the advice of Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA), which suggests staying out of the water for two to three days after heavy rain: Can I swim here? | LAWA

Landslips:

The heavy rains this morning and over the weekend have saturated the city – so sloping ground will be at risk of slipping. Know the warning signs so you can act quickly if you see them. Look for:

• small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes
• sticking doors and window frames
• gaps where frames are not fitting properly
• outside fixtures such as steps, decks, and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house
• new cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces
• tilting trees, retaining walls or fences; and
• water flowing out of a slope.

Be prepared to evacuate your house or property – and call 111 if you need assistance.

If your property or vehicles have been damaged:

It is advisable to take photographs of the damage and then contact your insurer as soon as possible.

Preparing for further severe weather:

• Try to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. If you need to venture out, take care when walking, cycling or driving as there may be surface flooding and debris, plus the risk of fallen trees and powerlines, or damaged infrastructure.
• Bring inside or tie down anything that strong winds could break or pick up. If you have a trampoline, turn it upside down to minimise the surface area exposed to wind and tie it down firmly.
• Remove any debris or loose items from around your property. Branches and firewood can become airborne in strong winds.
• Clear waste and debris away from drains.
• Untreated sewage was released this morning from the damaged Moa Point treatment plant to the short outfall at Tarakena Bay.
• Avoid swimming or other recreation in the area for 2–3 days after heavy rain and check LAWA.org.nz before visiting south coast beaches.
• Avoid collecting shellfish or kaimoana along the south coast, from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay, at this time.
• People should also stay away from the forested parts of the Town Belt – for example on Matairangi Mt Victoria – and other reserves due to the danger from falling trees and branches.

We ask the public to please be patient, travel to the conditions and report slips or weather-related hazards to the contact centre by email at info@wcc.govt.nz, fill in the webform or go through the FixIt App.

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