Rain, wind, and swell warnings are in place throughout the Wairarapa from this afternoon (Sunday 15 February 2026) through to Monday 16 February, and residents should be prepared for potentially severe impacts.
Current forecasts are for rain from the weather front to impact most seriously the coastal hills, from Cape Palliser north, including Tuturumuri, Tora, Flat Point, Riversdale, Castlepoint, Tinui, and Mataikona.
The peak of the storm is likely to arrive at around 9pm Sunday.
People with experience of flooding and living close to waterways should consider self-evacuating in daylight.
Anyone needing guaranteed access to larger centres for medical or other important appointments should consider taking steps today to travel in daylight before the height of the storm.
The combination of rain and wind raises the likelihood of road closures through slips and fallen trees.
In Martinborough, the Waihenga, Ponatahi, and Tuhitarata (also known as Kahutara) bridges are likely to be closed due to high river water levels expected around 4am.
Road closures at 7pm Wednesday 18 February
- Cape Palliser Road is CLOSED to all traffic from Te Kopi.
- Do not travel over the bridge that crosses the Hurupi Stream on Cape Palliser Road.
Following the recent severe weather, the Council has deemed this bridge to be structurally unsafe for the time being. The bridge, often referred to as the Banana bridge, could pose a serious safety risk. The bridge is still being reviewed and we will provide an update as soon as it is available. - Raho Ruhu Road CLOSED
- Te Rata Road CLOSED
Follow official advice
- If you are isolated due to the bridge closure and require assistance, please call 0800 239 247 (0800 CD WAIRARAPA).
- Be prepared for extended power cuts
- Be prepared with extra water stored at home
- Clear gutters and driveways/culverts to allow water to flow into drains.
Keep up to date
- South Wairarapa road closures – Road alerts and closures
- Metservice – Wairarapa Region Rural Weather Forecast | MetService
- NZTA (roadclosures) – Journey planner | NZTA Journey Planner
- PowerCo re power outages – Outage Map
- WREMO Emergency information – Home – Wellington Region Emergency Management Office
- Call 111 if an emergency
- Report roading and slips to South Wairarapa District Council on 06 306 9611.
Weather warning information
MetService New Zealand has issued a Heavy Rain Warning for Wairarapa and Tararua Range, a Strong Wind Warning for Wellington, Porirua, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa, along with a Heavy Swell Warning in Wellington and Wairarapa coast.
Heavy rain warning
A Heavy Rain Warning is in place for Wairarapa from 2pm Sunday 15 February to 7pm Monday 16 February. 120-160mm is expected to accumulate in the Tararua Range – and 50-80mm about the rest of Wairarapa with peak rates of 20-25mm/h.
- Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
- Take extra care on the roads.
- Clear stormwater drains to help prevent surface flooding.
Strong wind warning
An Orange Strong Wind Warning is in place for Wairarapa from 5pm Sunday 15 February to 7am Monday 16 February. There will be severe gale southwesterlies with damaging gusts of 120 km/h in exposed places.
- Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures is possible.
- Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
- Prepare your property by securing items.
Heavy swell warning
A Heavy Swell Warning is in place for Turakirae Head to Mataikona from 10pm Sunday 15 February through to 2am Tuesday 17 February. Southerly combined (swell + wind) waves are expected to rise to 5.5metres Sunday afternoon, and 7metres Sunday evening, and easing below warning criteria Tuesday morning. Cape Palliser high tides: 4.37am and 5.06pm Mon 16 Feb.
- These swells could bring debris and surface flooding to roads.
- Take extra care when on roads exposed to the sea.
- Surfers and divers should avoid exposed locations.
- Check the marine forecast before going on or into the water — if in doubt, don’t go.
More information
Follow this Facebook post from Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO) for more information and updates.
Visit MetService for weather warning details and updates: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home