Residents in Wellington’s south coast and coastal areas of Wairarapa are being urged to "take the necessary precautions" ahead of large swells expected to hit the region today.
Yesterday, Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little declared a State of Emergency for Wellington’s Southern and Eastern wards to support the response to the forecasted heavy swell warning for Wellington’s south coast.
Wellington Civil Defence said waves of around 9–10 metres were forecast for Wairarapa, and between 7.5-8m waves for Wellington's south coast.
State of emergency, evacuations as huge swells to batter east coast - watch on TVNZ+
Speaking to Breakfast, Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller Sam Bishop said this was "a hell of a lot higher than the 5.5m, 6m waves that we saw a few years back for the south coast".
"There's five areas that we've asked to really take consideration about evacuating. That's Ōwhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay, Breaker Bay, and Moa Point, primarily where the most serious impacts are going to occur," he said.
Lyall Bay was not included in the order.
Bishop said there were no overnight evacuations carried out, but Wellington City Council opened an emergency assistance centre and conducted around 200 door-knocks to alert residents about the incoming weather.
He said updates would be shared through council social media channels.
"Most people would have received an emergency mobile alert last night, and for the 12 hours concurrently," Bishop said.
He said swells and winds were closely linked, with both hazards driving the dangerous sea conditions.
"So, what we've been told by MetService is that it's going to kick off around about 10am, or 11am today, which is going to be the serious part, and last for around four or five hours.
"But they have told us to expect swell surges for the next 24 hours through until Wednesday at 9am. So it's going to be a fairly enduring event," he said.
"Stay away from the coast, avoid wave watching and respect all road closures that might be around. This is about the safety of our communities, and making sure that we take the necessary precautions for these sorts of events."
Current watches and warnings in place
Strong Wind Watch
Gisborne/Tairāwhiti and Hawke's Bay coasts (Tolaga Bay to Māhia Peninsula) – seven hours from 12pm to 7pm today.
Wairarapa coast and Tararua District – seven hours from 7am to 2pm today.
Marlborough south of Ward, inland to the Awatere Valley – eight hours from 6am to 2pm today.
Chatham Islands – six hours from 2pm to 8pm today.
Heavy Swell Warning - orange
Wairarapa coast (Turakirae Head to Mataikona) – 33 hours from 12am Monday to 9am Wednesday.
Wellington coast (Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head) – 30 hours from 3am today to 9am Wednesday.
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