Wellington City Council Mayor, Andrew Little, has declared a local state of emergency in the Paekawakawa/Southern and Motukairangi/Eastern wards, in response to the MetService’s heavy swell warning.
The MetService issued a heavy swell warning for the south coast between Ōwhiro Bay and Breaker Bay from 3am Tuesday 9 June to 9am Wednesday 10 June.
The Council is warning members of the public to stay away from the southern coastline, saying there will be two particularly dangerous periods at either side of high tide:
- 9.15am – 1.15pm, Tuesday 9 June.
- 9.45pm, Tuesday 9 June – 1.45am, Wednesday 10 June.
The Wairarapa coast and Wellington Harbour are also expected to be hit hard by the swells. Large waves are expected in Wellington Harbour including Petone and Eastbourne. However, these impacts are not expected to be as significant.
For context, the 2021 heavy swell event which saw a local State of Emergency declared and homes evacuated from Breaker Bay had expected swell heights of 6.5m. We are expecting swells of 8.5-9.5 metres during this event.
The public should avoid the affected areas throughout Tuesday and Wednesday until advised otherwise, the Council said.
“We are now entering the forecast period of most significant swell impacts. If you are in the evacuation zone and have not left your property, please shelter in place. Do not try to use the roads. If you believe your life or safety is at risk, please call 111.”
Residents in waterfront properties in Ōwhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay, Moa Point and Breaker Bay were required to evacuate by 9am today.
Lyall Bay residents are not included in the evacuation order.
If your home has been impacted by past swell and storm events or you have concerns, you should consider arranging accommodation with friends and family until Wednesday afternoon. Move important items out of harm’s way, particularly if they are in low-lying garages.
When you evacuate:
- Prepare a bag with essential items such as medications, important documents, personal items and clothing.
- Prepare to take pets and their supplies with you.
- Organise to stay with friends or family.
- Check on neighbours and anyone who may need help. Share this information if it does not delay you.
Emergency Assistance Centres have been set up at:
- Wellington South Baptist Church, 284 The Parade, Island Bay | View on Google Maps
- Miramar Maupuia community centre, 27 Chelsea Street, Miramar | View on Google Maps
Road closures along the south coast are now in place:
- Between Tirangi Road in Lyall Bay and the Pass of Branda in Seatoun
- Between Sutherland Road in Lyall Bay and Red Rocks
While these closures are in place, no one can get in including emergency services. Roads will be closed until the situation has eased and the roads are cleared of debris.
Further information:
- Stay up-to-date with weather warnings on the MetService website
- Get the latest updates on Council’s Facebook page
- Find emergency management information and tips on the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) website
- For public transport updates check the Metlink website
- For information about power outages visit the Wellington Electricity website
- Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) recommends staying out of the water for two to three days after heavy rain. Check where you can swim on the LAWA website.
