Evacuations in capital city as flooding worsens and more rain looms

Flooding in Wellington has escalated, forcing evacuations and stretching emergency services, with more heavy rain still to come.

Around 100 homes have been affected as fast-rising water pushed into streets and properties across the city.

Parts of the capital, particularly southern suburbs, were hit hardest after intense overnight rain overwhelmed drainage systems.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little said the scale of the downpour had been severe.

"You'll be aware that there's been serious downpour in Wellington, particularly in the southern suburbs overnight, very serious flooding in many places," he said on social media.

"A lot of that flooding was that stormwater system being overwhelmed, so much of it is dissipating at the moment, but there is still surface flooding around places."

He urged people to avoid unnecessary travel.

"So this is a day to be really careful if you're going out and about. If you can avoid travel, then please do so, but if you have to travel, then be very careful."

Flooding in Taita, Lower Hutt on Saturday: Authorities are urging people to stay off the roads and avoid floodwater as more than 150 weather-related callouts are reported across the Wellington region. Photo/RNZ/Mark Papalii

Emergency crews have responded to more than 150 weather-related callouts across the region including flooding inside homes and landslides in suburbs such as Newtown, Berhampore, Island Bay, and Kingston.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has activated its regional coordination centre as the response ramps up.

Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler warned people not to take risks.

"Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings," her statement read. "Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater.

"Do not drive through floodwater. You are putting yourself at risk, and risking the lives of those who come to your rescue."

Some areas have recorded extremely heavy rainfall with reports of up to 200mm falling in a short period overwhelming stormwater systems and triggering widespread flooding.

Residents clean up streets in Stokes Valley on Saturday: Intense overnight rain has forced evacuations and left parts of the city underwater, with more downpours still expected. Photo/RNZ/Mark Papalii

Residents say it is the worst flooding they have seen in years with water rising into homes and forcing families to leave.

Police say major routes have been affected, with flooding reported around Adelaide Road and the Basin Reserve. The Mt Victoria tunnel has been closed while surface flooding has been reported across other parts of the network.

Drivers are being urged to slow down and keep a safe distance.

The severe conditions are being driven by a slow-moving weather system sitting over central New Zealand bringing persistent rain and strong winds.

MetService has also warned of dangerous seas along the Wellington south coast with swells expected to exceed four metres and combined waves possibly reaching six metres.

Crucially, authorities say the situation is not over.

Watch Wellington Mayor Andrew Little on Facebook below.

More heavy rain bands are expected to move through the region, raising concerns that already saturated ground could lead to further flooding and slips.

For now, the message remains clear: avoid travel where possible, stay away from floodwaters, and keep up to date with official advice as conditions continue to change.