Heavy Swell Warning - Monday 8 June - Wednesday 10 June

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UPDATE - 11.40AM Tuesday 9 June

We are experiencing heavy swells along the Wairarapa coastline throughout today, with a warning in place until midday tomorrow (Wednesday, 10 June).

Please stay away from coastal areas, as the threat posed by these waves is significant. We are receiving reports of people heading to the coast and potentially putting themselves at risk. We strongly urge you to avoid coastal towns while the weather warning remains in effect.

The swells currently being observed are among the largest seen in many years. whilst high tide is at midday, the peak for the largest waves to occur will be between 3 and 4pm this afternoon. This will decrease in the following 24 hours after.

Similar events in previous years have resulted in road closures, vehicle damage, and damage to coastal infrastructure. Please avoid the area unless travel is essential. If you live on the coast and feel your safety or life is at risk, we strongly encourage you to self-evacuate inland.

Cape Palliser Road at Hurupi Bridge in South Wairarapa continues to be closed.

Please note that Wellington City Council has declared a state of emergency and issued evacuation orders. This does notapply here in Wairarapa — none of the three councils have declared a state of emergency at this time.

Stay up to date with the latest travel information on the Metlink website and weather updates on the MetService website.

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