Gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour are expected to hit Wellington in the next few days. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Wellington can expect the strongest southerlies to batter the region in more than a decade over the next two days, a MetService Meteorologist says.
Wellington and coastal areas of the Wairarapa are bracing for severe gale southerly and south-westerly winds - gusting up to 130 kilometres per hour - from Thursday morning through to midday Friday.
Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the last time southerly winds reach similar levels was when Wellington Airport measured winds of more than 140 kph in 2013.
"We have that driving southerly, pretty chilly air and that rain in the mix as well so it's gong to be a day to be prepared for that weather if you do need to be heading out," Ferris said.
A strong wind watch was also in place for inland areas of Wairarapa, the Tararua District, and Hawke's Bay south of Hastings as well as Horowhenua and the Kapiti Coast during Thursday.
High tide and heavy swell could disrupt coastal roads Thursday morning.
Heavy swells were expected about Kapiti-Porirua Coast, Wellington and the Wairarapa.
Combined waves were forecast to reach up to seven metres of the Wairarapa coast - between Turakirae Head to Mataikona - by Thursday afternoon, but were expected to ease by Friday evening.
Lewis Ferris said a particularly high tide was due at 8am on Thursday, which would mean that travel on some coastal roads - such as the Eastbourne Bays - could be more treacherous for motorists.
He said people should allow for a little extra time for their morning commute.
"With these really strong winds, of course, that is going to tend to some quite intense sea conditions so we are going to have some big waves hammering into southern parts of the North Island. Not just Wellington itself, [but] moving around to Wairarapa and also the East Coast up towards Hawke's Bay.
"On top of the wind and the waves we are also heading into quite high tides so that just lowers that barrier for those waves to maybe have some impact on the roads around Wellington not just on Thursday but also into Friday," Ferris said.
WREMO staff on stand by if situation should escalate.
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO) spokesperson Dan Neely said the agency was monitoring the weather and had staff on standby should the situation escalate.
He said he expected some disruption from the wind and high seas and urged people to take care on the roads and in coastal areas.
"It's going to be wet. It's going to be windy out there so driving conditions could be hazardous. Some heavy swells could bring some debris and surface flooding on the roads especially around the high tide mark. If your out near the water just check those marine forecasts and if in doubt, don't go out into the water.
"Of course it is Wellington so if you have any loose outdoor furniture items tie them down [or] bring them inside. Keep those trampolines pinned down," Neely said.
He said WREMO would update residents if their were any impacts to people in the region.
Cancellations to Cook Strait ferries, but Wellington Airport operating as scheduled
Wellington Airport spokesperson Phil Rennie said the capital was used to strong winds, but Thursday could be "especially gusty".
"At this stage, all flights are scheduled to operate as per normal tomorrow. However our advice for travellers is to check with their airlines before heading to the airport for any changes," Rennie said.
Interislander had cancelled crossings through to 2.30am on Friday, and were scheduling extra sailings over the weekend to clear the backlog.
Bluebridge were also cancelling sailings through Thursday after rough seas forced the cancellation of sailings from 1.30pm Wednesday.
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