Stay Home: Fresh storms set to hit Wellington after morning floods

People across the Wellington region are being urged to stay off the roads as more severe weather is set to hit later on Saturday.

This follows flooding that has already forced evacuations and cut off key routes.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms swept through Porirua and the northern Hutt Valley on Saturday morning, causing flash flooding and surface water across several areas.

Emergency management officials say two more bands of heavy rain are expected in the afternoon and evening.

But exactly where they will hit remains unclear.

“We know we have two big rain bands coming, but there is a lot of uncertainty about where they will hit and how much rain will fall," Dan Neely, the Emergency Management Office Regional Manager, said in a statement.

“We are urging people to avoid all non-essential travel for the rest of today, but particularly around those times.

“We have concern for the areas already impacted, including around SH2, SH58 and SH59, which were impacted this morning.

Flooding in parts of Porirua and the Hutt Valley has already impacted homes and key routes, with officials warning more severe weather is still to come.

“If you are travelling on those routes when the heavy rain hits, you may be impacted by flash or surface flooding. Do not drive through floodwaters. Call 111 for assistance if your life or safety is at risk.

“Please stay home if you can and follow New Zealand Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi for highway updates.”

Flooding earlier in the day saw 25 households evacuated in Stokes Valley and one in Porirua, with most people staying with family and friends. A small number are being supported at local council facilities.

Several local roads have also been affected across the region.

Officials are warning conditions could worsen quickly and are urging people to act early if they see rising water.

“Stay inside and don't drive unless absolutely necessary," Neely said. “Bring pets inside and move livestock to higher ground as they can become unsettled during a storm.

“Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need help if it is safe to do so. Act quickly if you see rising water. Do not wait for official warnings. Move to higher ground. Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood water.”

With more rain still to come and uncertainty over where it will hit hardest, authorities say the safest option for now is simple: stay home and stay alert.