A state of emergency has already been declared for Wellington’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 the Wairarapa.
A southerly weather system moving up the country is bringing the swells to Cook Strait from Monday evening through to Wednesday morning.
It says southerly combined waves could rise to 9.5-10.5 metres late Tuesday morning, before easing midday 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 out at 6.30pm, 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.”
A state of emergency
Wellington City mayor Andrew Little declared the State of Emergency for the region’s Southern and Eastern wards 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 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.”
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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.
Neely told Checkpoint the most dangerous period will be between 10am and 1pm on Tuesday, because that will coincide with the high tides.
“The key message is to stay away from the coast for residents along those vulnerable south coast communities that are concerned about flooding. We’re really encouraging people to leave their homes tonight, go somewhere else.”
He said anyone affected by earlier swell events should get out tonight.
‘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, he said.
“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.
Residents should heed local authorities’ warnings and not go out to the coast, he said. He said authorities might need to access the coast for sandbagging and other preparations.
The worst of the swells were expected during high tide at midday and early afternoon on Tuesday.
Strong wind watches are in place for parts of the lower North Island and the Otago coast.
Bluebridge’s website says the 8.30pm Wellington to Picton sailing on Monday has been cut, as have three services on Tuesday morning.
Interislander cancelled all its Tuesday sailings.
The ferry companies say they are contacting customers who will be moved onto the next available service.
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