Stay away from beaches: Wellington Civil Defence warning as monster swells loom

A severe weather system is expected to start hitting the southern coast of the North Island tonight, with major swells set to lash eastern coastlines from Otago to Gisborne. 

In particular, Metservice says combined wave heights on Wellington’s shores could reach 7 to 8 metres by mid-day tomorrow, while nearby Wairarapa could be hit by swells of up to 10 metres. For reference, the imposing Ohakune Carrot only stands at a relatively meager 7.5 metres. 

In a media release, Wellington Civil Defence Emergency Management spokesperson Dan Neely says it has the potential to be a significant event for parts of the region. 

“In 2020 a heavy swell event struck Wellington's south coast with 5.5-meter waves pounding costal suburbs, causing widespread damage and evacuations. Tomorrow, we expect the swells could be up to 8m around Wellington’s south coast, so we are preparing for a significant swell event and asking the public to do the same.” 

Combined with warnings of strong winds, the expected turmoil has forced the cancellation of both the Interislander and Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry sailings for Tuesday. Both companies say impacted passengers will be connected directly.

While the chance to lay your eyes on waves higher than New Zealand’s favourite statue of a root vegetable may be enticing, venturing out to have a look could prove extremely dangerous, and cause unnecessary headaches for those tasked with handling the fallout. Metservice warns evacuations could be on the cards for some locations, and residents in affected areas are recommended to keep an eye out for alerts and follow any advice from authorities. 

Emergency services, councils and partner agencies are working together to respond, with welfare and transport impacts being closely monitored.

Official advice from Wellington Civil Defence Emergency Management:

• If your home has been impacted by past swell and storm events or are in exposed coastlines prepare to self evacuate.  

• If you cannot arrange accommodation, call your local council for assistance.  

• If you are planning to say, prepare a grab bag with supplies relevant to your family in case you have to leave with short notice.  

• People living close to swell and surf exposed coastlines should be prepared for the possibility of waves flooding roads and leaving debris, with potential for road closures, and potential damage to property.  

• Move important items out of harm’s way, particularly if they are in low-lying garages. Bring pets inside.   

• Check on neighbours who might need some support.  

The related weather system is predicted to make its way across the North Island over the next 48 hours, and the worst of it should be gone by Wednesday.

Header image credit: Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash