0 Wellington State of Emergency update as at 7:15am

• State of Emergency
• by Stuart Gunn
• 21-04-2026

As of 7:15 AM today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Wellington region remains under a Regional State of Emergency. While some river levels in the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa rose less than initially feared overnight, the situation remains critical due to the sheer volume of water and debris.Current Status & SafetyRed Rain Warning: This remains in effect for Wellington and Wairarapa until midnight tonight. MetService warns that while the intensity has fluctuated, further heavy falls could trigger additional landslips on already saturated ground.Casualties: Police have named Philip Sutton, a man in his 60s, as missing after his home on Karori South Road was hit by floodwaters and debris yesterday. Search operations are ongoing.Evacuations: Residents in parts of Wainuiomata (Konini, Wetherby, and Rata Streets) and the southern suburbs were evacuated yesterday. Approximately 10 houses in Berhampore, Mornington, and South Karori have been declared uninhabitable. If you feel at risk from this weather event , call 111 and self evacuate. Don't wait.Infrastructure & ClosuresHutt Valley Bridges: Both the Kennedy Good Bridge and Melling Bridge have been reopened as of 4:15 AM this morning.Public Facilities: All Wellington City Council libraries, pools, and recreation centres (including Akau Tāngi) are closed today. Major attractions like the Wellington Zoo, Zealandia, and the Cable Car also remain closed.Health Alert: Avoid the South Coast (Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay). Significant damage to the Moa Point treatment plant has resulted in untreated sewage discharging into Tarakena Bay.Welfare & AssistanceIf you have been displaced or need a safe place to go, the following centers remain open:Walter Nash Centre (Taitā)Wainuiomata MaraeKōraunui MaraeWhakamaru (Wellington City Mission)Travel AdviceAvoid all non-essential travel. Many local roads in the southern suburbs (Newtown, Berhampore, Island Bay) still have significant debris, surface flooding, or dislodged manhole covers. If you must drive, exercise extreme caution near hillsides due to the ongoing risk of landslips.How is the weather looking where you are? Are you currently in an area affected by these closures?

0 6PM Situation update for Wellington/Wairarapa

• State of Emergency
• by Stuart Gunn
• 21-04-2026

Emergency protocols are beginning to ease across parts of the lower North Island now that the peak of the storm has passed. A significant portion of the region remains under alert. The State of Emergency has officially ended for Upper Hutt, Porirua, and the Kāpiti Coast. A State of Emergency remains in effect for the rest of the Wellington region and the entire Wairarapa. If you evacuated from low-lying areas yesterday, you are clear to return home, provided it is safe to do so. Wairarapa Residents: Exercise extreme caution. High river levels mean you should wait until the Orange Warning expires before moving back. Keep a "grab bag" ready. Ground saturation has made the landscape unstable; if you spot new cracks in the earth, tilting trees, or sticking doors, take immediate action and do not wait for an official alert. In emergencies, dial 111. SH2 Remutaka Hill is CLOSED. A bridge washout between Kaitoke and Featherston has rendered the crossing unstable. SH53 Waihenga Bridge: CLOSED between Featherston and Martinborough. With the ground fully saturated, landslide risk remains high. Watch for: Watch for bulges in retaining walls or roads, water seeping from slopes and roads that are usually dry. Structural shifts in decks, stairs, or window frames and cracks in paint, door sticking etc

0 State of Emergency Declared for Wellington

• State of Emergency
• by Stuart Gunn
• 20-04-2026

As of 2:30 PM today, Monday, April 20, 2026, the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) has officially declared a State of Local Emergency for the Wellington region. Wellington State of Emergency  This declaration follows a Red Rain Warning issued by MetService due to severe, ongoing rain and significant flooding across the capital.   Key Emergency Details Reason: Sustained heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding, multiple landslips, and critical pressure on regional infrastructure.   Affected Areas: Severe impacts are reported in the southern suburbs, including Island Bay, Berhampore, Newtown, Brooklyn, Mornington, and the Basin Reserve.   Infrastructure Closures: Roads: Two lanes are closed at the Basin Reserve due to flood damage.   Transport: The Wellington Cable Car is closing at 3:00 PM today. Facilities: Wellington Zoo and Zealandia are closed. The Tip Shop and Recycle Centre are also closed.   Health Warning: Untreated sewage has been released at Tarakena Bay due to damage at the Moa Point treatment plant; avoid the South Coast shoreline.   Immediate Safety Actions Evacuation: If you are in a low-lying or flood-prone area, you are advised to move to higher ground for the next 24 hours.   Travel: Avoid all non-essential travel. Do not attempt to drive, walk, or swim through floodwaters.   Shelter: If you require emergency shelter, Wellington City Mission (Whakamaru) is currently open for evacuees.   Landslips: Be alert for signs of ground instability (sticking doors, new cracks, or tilting trees), especially on hillsides.  Get faster and different information  CLICK HERE Stay tuned to WREMO, Wellington City Council, and NZTA for real-time updates as the situation evolves. If you are in immediate danger, call 111.