With strong winds and heavy rain forecast for the beginning of the working week, drivers in the lower North Island will need to take extra care on the region’s roads.
The Metservice has issued a strong wind watch for Wellington and Wairarapa between 6am and 4pm on Monday. A similar warning is in place for Marlborough from 10 pm Sunday to 10 am Monday. Northwest winds may approach severe gale force in exposed areas.
It means drivers of high-sided vehicles – trucks and campervans – and motorcycles must take care on exposed routes.
The Metservice also has a heavy rain watch for the Tararua Ranges from 4am to 4pm on Monday.
All road users should drive to the conditions, watch their speed and following distances, and use their headlights to ensure they can be seen in bad weather conditions.
It is also important for drivers to be prepared for road hazards, as strong winds and heavy rain can cause treefalls, slips, and localised flooding.
Road users should check road conditions before travelling, as bad weather can see state highways closed at short notice.
Waka Kotahi traffic updates(external link)
Metservice weather warnings(external link)
The bad weather also means a road closure on State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, for feral goat control won’t happen on Monday morning as originally planned.
7 March 2023 media release: Feral goat control near State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill
