Huge waves and strong winds hit Wellington’s south coast on Tuesday, bringing dangerous conditions to areas including Ōwhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay and Breaker Bay. Waves reached up to 11 metres, while gusts of wind reached about 100 kilometres per hour in Wellington. A mandatory evacuation order was put in place for waterfront properties, but the local state of emergency for Wellington’s Southern and Eastern wards was later lifted.
Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little said the danger had reduced enough for the emergency order to end. He said the waves were still large, but they were not arriving as often as had been predicted. Residents who had left their homes were told they would be able to return soon, although people were warned to travel carefully because roads could still have debris and slippery surfaces.
The wild weather also affected transport in the region. Some flights at Wellington Airport were cancelled, and one small plane was blown over by the wind. Cook Strait ferry sailings run by Interislander and Bluebridge were also cancelled before the heavy swells arrived. On the Wairarapa coast, waves were described as “humongous”, and winds reached 137 kilometres per hour.
People were told to stay away from the southern coastline because of the dangerous sea and weather. Wellington City Council also warned that rough conditions could push screened wastewater from the Moa Point long outfall pipe closer to shore. Public Health said the risk from sea spray was very low, but people were advised to wash and dry their hands regularly and limit contact with sea spray.
SMART Prep | Quick Question 
