Wellington Civil Defence has put the region on notice ahead of what it is calling a "significant swell event", with warnings that some coastal residents may need to evacuate their homes.
MetService has issued a Heavy Swell Warning covering Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head in Wellington, as well as Turakirae Head to Mataikona in the Wairarapa. A southerly weather system tracking up the country is driving large swells through Cook Strait from Monday evening until Wednesday morning, with combined wave heights potentially exceeding seven metres.
Cook Strait ferry operators have already begun pulling sailings. Bluebridge has cancelled its 8.30 pm Wellington to Picton departure on Monday, along with three Tuesday morning services. Interislander has scrapped all of its Tuesday sailings. Both companies say they are contacting affected customers and moving them to the next available service.
Wellington Civil Defence spokesperson Dan Neely urged the public to stay away from the water and keep clear of beaches and coastal areas, even when conditions appear settled.
"In 2020 a heavy swell event struck Wellington's south coast with 5.5-metre waves pounding coastal suburbs, causing widespread damage and evacuations. Tomorrow, we expect the swells could be up to 8m around Wellington's south coast, so we are preparing for a significant swell event and asking the public to do the same.
"The sun might be shining but these swells could bring debris and surface flooding to roads, especially around high tide at midday. The public is urged to avoid Wellington's south coast roads, as well as coastal roads around Wairarapa. Extreme caution should be taken if you have to drive on these roads."
Neely confirmed that emergency services, councils and partner agencies were already coordinating a response to the developing situation.
Authorities have issued the following guidance to people living in affected coastal areas:
- If your home has been impacted by past swell and storm events, or are in exposed coastlines prepare to self evacuate. - If you cannot arrange accommodation, call your local council for assistance. - If you are planning to stay, prepare a grab bag with supplies relevant to your family in case you have to leave with short notice. - People living close to swell and surf-exposed coastlines should be prepared for the possibility of waves flooding roads and leaving debris, with potential for road closures, and potential damage to property. - Move important items out of harm's way, particularly if they are in low-lying garages. Bring pets inside. - Check on neighbours who might need some support.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the system would affect Wellington's south coast, the Wairarapa, and sections of the South Island's eastern coastline. The wave height combined with a long swell period means the waves carry considerable energy and have a greater potential to surge up beaches and onto coastal land.
"Tomorrow won't be a good day to go out on any sort of southern coastlines, especially around Wellington. Don't take the dog for a walk; don't go just to see the large waves roll in," he said.
Ferris said residents should heed local authority warnings and stay away from the coast entirely, noting that emergency personnel may need clear access for sandbagging and other preparations. The worst conditions are expected during high tide around midday and into the early afternoon on Tuesday.
The orange heavy swell warning for the Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head stretch takes effect at 6 am Tuesday and runs through to 6 am Wednesday. Within that window, MetService is forecasting southerly combined waves building to 7-8 metres by midday Tuesday, easing during the evening.
The Wairarapa warning, covering Turakirae Head to Mataikona, begins at midnight Monday and continues through to noon Wednesday. MetService has described the forecast for that zone: "Southerly swell rising to 4 metres early Tuesday morning, then rapidly rising to 8-9 metres late Tuesday morning, easing below wave warning criteria Wednesday midday."
Strong wind watches are active for coastal parts of the Wairarapa and the Tararua District on Tuesday, with a further watch in place for coastal areas of Clutha and Dunedin from 9 pm Monday.
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