A state of emergency has been declared for the Wellington region, a man is missing and heavy rain warnings for Wellington and Wairapara have been upgraded to red. Here’s the latest.

The following was up to date as at 4.30pm, April 20, but this is a rapidly evolving situation.

What’s going on?

Torrential rain caused flash flooding in the lower North Island overnight, with Wellington’s southern suburbs hit particularly hard. Between 3.30am and 11am this morning, Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to more than 180 calls regarding flooding and landslides, with Island Bay, Berhampore, Newtown, Brooklyn, Mornington and the Basin Reserve area hit particularly hard. Around 10 houses in Berhampore, Mornington and in South Karori are uninhabitable, according to Wellington City Council.

Wellington mayor Andrew Little said 77mm of rain fell in one hour at one location, which Victoria University climate change professor James Redwick said “would be extreme even in the tropics”. 

A man in his 60s, who police have named as Philip Sutton, is unaccounted for after his home on Karori South Road was affected by floodwaters and debris, and a search operation is under way.

The rain has continued all day and is set to intensify.

Evacuations under way in Wainuiomata

According to an update at 4pm, Residents on Konini Street (northern end), Wetherby Street and Rata Street in Wainuiomata are being evacuated due to rising water levels.

State of emergency declared

At 2.30pm, Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office declared a state of emergency. People are advised to move out of low‑lying and flood‑prone areas for the next 24 hours, stay at home (if your home is safe) and avoid non‑essential travel. If it’s safe to do so, clear drains and gutters, and check on neighbours and those who may need assistance. If flood waters rise, evacuate immediately to higher ground: do not wait for an alert if you feel you are in danger. Never walk, swim or drive through flood water. 

What’s the outlook?

As of 2pm, heavy rain warnings for Wellington and Wairarapa were escalated to red – the strongest category – and will remain in place until tomorrow night. Rain will be heaviest in the eastern hills and Hutt Valley, with 100mm to 150mm expected. In Wairarapa, 80mm to 120mm is predicted to fall, but this will be more like 200mm to 280mm about the ranges and coastal hills. A strong wind watch is in place for the Kapiti Coast and Wellington , and a severe thunderstorm warning is in place for Carterton and Masterton. 

“Following the severe downpours over the last few days and the upcoming forecast rainfalls, there is an increased threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips, with especially hazardous driving conditions. Some roads may become impassable, isolating communities,” MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons said in a press release. 

“A red warning signifies that people need to act now as immediate action is required to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather. People should also be prepared to follow the advice of official authorities and emergency services.”

What about other regions?

An orange heavy rain warning is in place for the Tararua district, with a moderate chance of an upgrade to red. A heavy rain watch is now in place for Taihape, Whanganui, and Manawatu, and a heavy rain watch will come into effect at 6pm for Horowhenua, the Kapiti Coast and Porirua, as well as Hawke’s Bay south of Cape Kidnappers. A a strong wind watch will come into effect in Taranaki from 9pm.

How do I know if I need to evacuate?

If you’re in a low‑lying and flood‑prone area – ie you’ve experienced multiple floods in recent years – it’s a good idea to go elsewhere. 

It’s also a good idea to learn how to watch out for landslides. In comments for the Science Media Centre, Kerry Leith, an engineering geologist for Earth Sciences NZ, said “there’s a really good chance of more slips occurring in Wellington”. This is because of the “really intense” rain, the hill slopes already being wet, and the impact of damage to infrastructure such as retaining walls, stormwater pipes or footpaths.

What’s the latest with public transport and road closures?

Flooding has closed two lanes around the Basin Reserve, and a lane on State Highway 2 before the Melling Interchange in Lower Hutt. Riverside Drive in Lower Hutt is closed and Harcourt Werry Drive is expected to be closed by 5pm.

There is also flooding on SH53 in Featherston, from Te Marie Rd to Wards Line, and caution is advised. White Rock Road is flooded in the Tuturumuri School area, but passable. See NZTA for updates. 

Buses and trains are still running but Metlink is urging people to head home early and expect delays. All Metlink harbour ferry services are cancelled today and tomorrow.

Any other closures/cancellations?

Plenty: Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington has closed all its campuses until Wednesday morning, as have Whitireia and WelTec. Council services like the Tip Shop and Recycle Centre are closed, as is the Cable Car, Wellington Zoo, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, Te Papa, Te Matapihi and a number of other libraries All council sports fields (grass and artificial) are closed. 

A number of schools have announced they will be closed tomorrow: check your individual school’s website.

Twenty-eight flights have been cancelled in and out of Wellington airport, with more likely.

Where can people go to get help?

Evacuees are being taken to Wellington City Mission Whakamaru and anyone can head there to take shelter – 4 Oxford Terrace, Mount Cook. If you’re in Wellingotn, need support and can’t get to Whakamaru, call (04) 499 4444.

In Lower Hutt, the following places will remain open overnight for those seeking shelter: Kōraunui Stokes Valley Neighbourhood Hub, Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub, Walter Nash Centre (Taita), War Memorial Library (Central Hutt) and Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub.