This page is being updated with new information as the situation progresses.

Newest information (as at 6.25pm) is as follows:

• The Waihenga bridge/State Highway 53 is OPEN.
• The Remutaka Hill is now OPEN.
• SH2 between Mt Bruce and Eketehuna is now OPEN.
• Cross Line at Bidwills Cutting Road and Kemptons Line has REOPENED, following a brief closure due to low hanging power lines.
• We are aware that there are significant power outages across our communities. Find information on what to do below.
  
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What do we know?

MetService has issued a Strong Wind Warning – Red Wellington and Wairarapa south of Carterton for Thursday, 23 October between 8am to 6pm. Severe gales with damaging gusts of 140km/h are expected in exposed places.

The red warning means winds will be worse than in previous days. The wind is likely to impact electricity, roofs, fences and trees.

Impacts include threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including to powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.

Council services

South Wairarapa libraries and the Customer Service Centre (currently at Martinborough Library) will be closed, to keep our people safe. Customer service will be available via phone on 06 306 9611.

The weekly rubbish and recycling collection for Featherston will still operate, but unless your bins are full, we encourage you to keep them in this week. The Featherston Recycling Centre will be closed.

Travel

All Wairarapa Line train services are cancelled until 6pm and there will be no buses replacing trains on this line. Wairarapa’s number 200 bus is also cancelled for the day.

Due to the expected high winds, we are expecting damage to trees leading to blocked roads. Please be patient as our roading crew works to clear the roads. Some sites aren’t safe to be worked on until the wind drops, due to other large trees at risk of coming down, so it may be some time before all roads are cleared. The official advice is to stay off the roads during these strong winds and only travel when necessary.

As of 10.55am, State Highway 53 Waihenga River Bridge is now OPEN after contractors cleared debris from the area.

As of 11.55am, SH2 Remutaka Hill is now CLOSED due to strong wind. Please avoid all non-essential travel and consider delaying your journey.

As at 3.50pm, Cross Line at Bidwills Cutting Road and Kemptons Line is OPEN.

As at 3.30pm, NZTA has now closed SH2 between Mt Bruce and Pahiatua due to high winds. All alternative routes are closed, including the Opaki-Kaiparoro and Route 52 via Alfredton.

Fire ban

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has enforced a total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks until 8am on Monday 27 October. This is to avoid the situation in Canterbury and Hawkes Bay where severe winds are fanning wildfires.

How should you prepare?

– If you are able to, make preparations to work from home tomorrow and avoid unnecessary travel.

– If you have to travel, please check your routes and public transport options beforehand. Be prepared for disruptions in transport including the likely closure of the Remutaka Hill.

– Take care when driving on the roads, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles

– There may be local road closures, slips, trees down or detours check in with local council, NZTA or public transport providers before you travel

– Prepare your property and bring inside or secure items that can be picked up by strong winds e.g. trampolines, bins, bbqs.

– If you have medication that requires refrigeration and the power goes out, it is recommend that a local pharmacy be contacted to seek advice as they will have a good understanding of all of the types of medications requiring refrigeration.

– Think about what you would do if there was no power and make a plan. If you rely on electricity for a medical device, reach out to your healthcare and electricity provider and arrange a back-up power supply or contingency plan.

– Check on your neighbours, friends and whānau.

– When indoors during strong winds, it is important to stay away from windows and doors.

– Clear stormwater drains to help prevent surface flooding.

– Create an evacuation plan and have a grab bag ready to go.

– Make a plan for your pets and/or livestock.

– Listen to the radio and follow your local Council or WREMO on Facebook for latest updates.

Power outages

If you have been affected by a power outage or want to check on your area, more information and advice is available on your electricity company website:

– https://www.welectricity.co.nz/outages

– https://outages.powerco.co.nz

– https://electra.co.nz/outages

Advice from WREMO on power outages:

• Treat all fallen power lines as live.
• If the power goes off at your property, turn off all appliances including cookers and heaters so that when power comes back on there will be no risk from unattended cooking, items left close to heaters etc.
• Use torches rather than candles if possible. If you must use candles, keep them away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave a candle burning in an empty room.
• If you are using camp cookers or alternative forms of heating, always make sure they are on a stable surface. Do not use outdoor cooking or heating equipment inside.

Other helpful links

– Weather updates – https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

– Safety advice – https://www.wremo.nz/

– NZTA State highway information and closures https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

– Public transport – https://www.metlink.org.nz/

– Animal safety info https://www.mpi.govt.nz/…/preparing-animals-for…