A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for waterfront properties on the Wellington south coast ahead of huge swells expected to hit the coast on Tuesday.
A state of emergency has already been declared for the city's Southern and Eastern wards.
MetService has issued a Heavy Swell Warning for Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head in Wellington and Turakirae Head to Mataikona in Wairarapa.
A southerly weather system moving up New Zealand is bringing the swells to Cook Strait from this evening through to Wednesday morning.
The forecaster said southerly combined waves could rise as much as 9.5 to 10.5 metres late tomorrow morning, before easing about midday on Wednesday, with a peak period of 13-15 seconds.
Cook Strait ferry sailings have been cancelled ahead of the swells.
In an emergency alert sent at 6.30pm today, Wellington Civil Defence said a mandatory evacuation order will be in place from 9am Tuesday for waterfront properties in Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay and Breaker Bay.
Lyall Bay is not included in the order.
Civil Defence has advised residents in those affected areas to leave tonight "while it is safe to do so".
"You will be required to leave by 9am tomorrow. After this time, it may be too dangerous to leave your property. Do not return until told it is safe to do so."
Meanwhile, strong wind watches are in place for coastal parts of Wairarapa and the Tararua District on Tuesday. It is also in effect in coastal parts of Clutha and Dunedin on the east coast of the South Island from 9pm today.
State of emergency declared
Wellington mayor Andrew Little declared the State of Emergency late this afternoon.
In a statement, the Wellington City Council said it recommended that residents of South Coast waterfront properties and those who are concerned about flooding stay somewhere else tonight.
"Residents of the South Coast can expect extensive road closures on Tuesday 9 June. We require those in affected areas including pets be out of properties no later than 9am on Tuesday 9 June.
"An Emergency Assistance Centre has been set up at Wellington South Baptist church, 284 The Parade will be open from 9pm Monday 8 June for those who don't have a place to go tonight."
Wellington Civil Defence spokesperson Dan Neely said today the public should stay out of the water and avoid beaches and coastal areas - even if the weather looks fine.
"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 said emergency services, councils and partner agencies were working together to respond to the event.
All people living in affected areas have been issued the following advice:
- 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 say, 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.
'Don't take the dog for a walk'
Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the weather system will affect the south coast of Wellington and Wairarapa and parts of the eastern coast of South Island. The height and long period of the swells would cause them to carry a lot of energy and a greater potential to run up the beaches.
"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."
Residents should heed local authorities' warnings and not go out to the coast as they might need to access the coast for sandbagging and other preparations, he said.
Bluebridge's website says the 8.30pm Wellington to Picton sailing today has been cut, as have three services tomorrow morning. Interislander cancelled all its Tuesday sailings.
The ferry companies are contacting customers who will be moved to the next available service.
An orange heavy swell warning kicks in from Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head from 6am on Tuesday, lasting through to the same time Wednesday.
MetService is forecasting southerly combined waves rising to 7-8 metres by midday on Tuesday, easing in the evening.
The same warning starts in Wairarapa from Turakirae Head to Mataikona from midnight on Monday through to noon on Wednesday.
"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," Metservice said.
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
