Severe weather to impact Wairarapa - 15 February 2026 - update: 2.30pm

Update: 2.30pm

Rain, wind, and swell warnings are in place throughout the Wairarapa from this afternoon through to tomorrow, and residents should be prepared for potentially severe impacts.

People living close to waterways with experience of flooding should consider self-evacuating in daylight.

Current forecasts are for rain from the weather front to impact most seriously the coastal hills, from Cape Palliser north, including Tuturumuri, Tora, Flat Point, Riversdale, Castlepoint, Tinui, and Mataikona.

The peak of the storm is likely to arrive at around 9pm.

The combination of rain and wind raises the likelihood of road closures through slips and fallen trees.

In Martinborough, the Waihenga, Ponatahi, and Tuhitarata (also known as Kahutara) bridges are likely to closed due to high water levels expected around 4am.

Anyone needing guaranteed access to larger centres for medical or other important appointments should consider taking steps today to travel in daylight before the height of the storm.

Unnecessary travel should be avoided.

• Be prepared for extended power cuts
• Be prepared with extra water stored at home
• Clear gutters and driveways/culverts to allow water to flow into drains.

Keep up to date with weather updates via

• Metservice - Masterton Weather Forecast | MetService
• NZTA (roadclosures) - Highway conditions for Wellington | NZTA Journey Planner
• PowerCo re power outages - Outage Map
• Call 111 if an emergency
• Report roading and slips to your District Council.

Rain

Rainfall of 140-180mm over 12 hours is likely to be equivalent to serious storm events of the past, with a peak expected at around 9pm tonight.

Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.

Stock should be moved to higher ground.

Wind

From 6pm today (Sunday) to 9am tomorrow (Monday) severe gale southwesterlies up to 130 km/h in exposed places are forecast.

Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

The Remutaka Hill road would be expected to be close if winds reach 130km/h in the area.

Swells

Swells are expected to reach 6.5-7m on the south and east coasts between 6pm today (Sunday) and 12 noon tomorrow (Monday).