The Barring Head Wave Buoy in Wellington Harbour recorded a 13.6m wave at 11.36pm yesterday, amongst the wild weather impacting the capital.
According to one observer, the wave dislodged the "Moaning Minnie" buoy.
Statement from MetService:
Heavy rain for the the lower North Island and east of the South Island.
Southwest gales easing over central New Zealand.
A deep low east of New Zealand moves slowly southwards Monday night and during Tuesday.
This low continues to bring heavy rain to the lower North Island and east of the South Island, but south to southwest gales over central New Zealand are easing. Large waves and dangerous sea conditions are also expected and coastal inundation is possible about exposed coasts.
Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts.
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Kaikoura District and Canterbury north of Amberley
Period: 4 hours from 8:00pm Mon 16 Feb to 12:00am Tue 17 Feb
Forecast: Expect 30 to 50 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h about hills and ranges.Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Area: Banks Peninsula
Period: 22 hours from 8:00pm Mon 16 Feb to 6:00pm Tue 17 Feb
Forecast: Expect 70 to 100 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen. Intensities generally less than 10 mm/h, but may reach 15 mm/h till early Tuesday morning. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Area: The eastern hills of Wellington, also Wairarapa, and the Tararua Range
Period: 3 hours from 8:00pm Mon 16 Feb to 11:00pm Mon 16 Feb
Forecast: Expect 15 to 25 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm/h expected.Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Area: Coastal parts of Wairarapa and Tararua District
Period: 3 hours from 8:00pm Mon 16 Feb to 11:00pm Mon 16 Feb
Forecast: Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.
Warnings no longer in force
Strong Wind Warning lifted for Wellington, and eastern Marlborough north of Clarence: Winds are easing, and the warning has been lifted.
Strong wind warnings remain in place for the northeastern South Island as gusts of more than 90km/h lash about the Port Hills tops this evening.
Canterbury Weather Updates also reported wind gusts topping 80km/h on the Kaikoura coast at 6.40pm.
Rainfall is also intensifying in the region with 250mm predicted over the Banks Peninsula overnight.
Locals have been warned to take extreme care when travelling as floods and slips are likely.
As of 6pm, the following roads are affected due to flooding, fallen trees, slips or debris:
Closed
Restricted
Open/passable with caution
"Road conditions may change quickly, and people are urged to obey road closure signage and avoid driving through floodwater," the Carterton District Council said.