Severe thunderstorms moving across the Wellington region have prompted urgent warnings for Porirua, Lower Hutt and surrounding areas, with heavy rain expected to cause flooding and dangerous travel conditions.
MetService issued the severe thunderstorm warning at 11:52am Sunday, covering Porirua City, Wellington City, Hutt City, Upper Hutt City and South Wairarapa.
Weather radar detected thunderstorms near Wellington, Lower Hutt and Porirua about 11:45am. The system is tracking east-southeast and was expected to move across Wellington, Lower Hutt and Wainuiomata by 12:15pm, reaching Upper Hutt and the southern Remutaka Range by 12:45pm.
Forecasters warn the storms will bring very heavy rain, increasing the risk of surface and flash flooding in streams, gullies and urban areas. Roads may quickly become hazardous, with reduced visibility and surface water posing risks for drivers.
An update to the thunderstorm warning is expected at 12:45pm.
Looking ahead, unsettled weather is forecast to continue into the week. A heavy rain watch is in place for parts of Horowhenua, Kāpiti Coast and remaining areas of Wellington not covered by the current warning. The watch runs for 31 hours from 11am Monday to 6pm Tuesday.
MetService says periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms may approach warning levels, with a moderate chance the watch will be upgraded.
A strong wind watch has also been issued for Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds from 4pm Monday to 9am Tuesday. Southerly winds could approach severe gale force in exposed areas, with a moderate chance of escalation to a warning.
Residents are urged to stay informed, secure outdoor items and take care on the roads, particularly in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
