Wellington and much of New Zealand’s lower North Island are being buffeted by a powerful combination of severe southerly winds, heavy rain and dangerous coastal swells, triggering widespread travel disruption and scattered power outages on Sunday, 15 February 2026. Authorities are warning residents and visitors to expect ongoing disruption through the next 24 hours, particularly around coastal suburbs, on exposed roads and at transport hubs including Wellington Airport and Cook Strait ferry terminals.
Severe Weather System Slams Capital and Lower North Island
The latest bout of wild weather is being driven by a deep low in the southern Tasman Sea funnelling a strong, cold southerly flow up the lower North Island. Forecast models and official warnings signal a period of gale to severe gale winds, locally damaging gusts, and bursts of intense rainfall over Wellington city, the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti Coast and Wairarapa, as well as parts of Marlborough and the upper South Island.
National forecasters have issued severe wind and heavy rain warnings for the region, cautioning that gusts in exposed parts of Wellington could exceed 120 kilometres per hour, strong enough to bring down trees, dislodge roofing and create flying debris hazards. On the south coast, forecasters have warned of very large swells, with the risk of waves overtopping sea walls and sending rocks and driftwood across roads and coastal reserves.
Residents who have lived through previous Wellington storms say conditions rank among the more aggressive southerly events of recent years. Emergency managers emphasise that while such systems are not unprecedented in the capital, the combination of peak winds, saturated ground and high seas is enough to create significant localised damage and disruption.
Air, Sea and Road Travel Hit by Strong Winds and Swells
Travel in and around Wellington has been significantly affected, with airlines, ferry operators and road authorities all reporting weather-related disruption. At Wellington Airport, crosswinds on the single, exposed runway have forced airlines to delay, divert or cancel multiple services. Air New Zealand has advised passengers travelling today and into Monday to expect potential last-minute schedule changes and to allow extra time at the terminal. Jetstar has also reported operational impacts, focusing on safety margins for takeoffs and landings in gusty conditions.
Cook Strait ferry services are under pressure from very rough seas and long-period southerly swells funnelling through the strait. Operators are reviewing sailings case by case, with some crossings delayed or placed under review due to passenger comfort and safety concerns, as well as the risk of cargo shifts in heavy seas. Travellers are being urged to monitor direct notifications from their ferry companies and to be prepared for changes throughout the day and night.
On land, high winds and surface flooding are complicating driving conditions across key routes such as State Highway 1 and State Highway 2 in and out of the capital. Local councils have reported debris, minor slips and pooling water in low-lying areas, particularly on coastal and hillside roads. Some smaller coastal routes around the south coast and eastern bays have been temporarily closed where waves and blown sand or gravel are making travel hazardous. Motorists are being advised to slow down, watch for fallen branches and avoid non-essential travel during the worst of the gusts.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Strain Across the Region
The storm has left pockets of the Wellington region without electricity as winds bring down lines and flying debris contacts power infrastructure. Wellington Electricity and other local network companies have reported a series of scattered outages affecting both urban neighbourhoods and rural fringes, with crews dispatched where conditions allow safe access. Given the worsening winds along hilltops and exposed ridgelines, utilities warn that additional faults remain possible through Sunday night.
Water, telecommunications and transport infrastructure are also under strain. Localised flooding and blocked stormwater drains are testing council drainage networks, especially in low-lying coastal suburbs. Officials are urging residents to clear leaves and loose debris from street grates outside their homes where it is safe to do so, to help reduce surface flooding. In some areas, heavy rain has caused minor slips that have blocked walking tracks and smaller rural roads, prompting rapid assessments by road maintenance teams.
Public transport remains operating but with disruptions. Metlink has reported weather-related delays and potential diversions on bus routes exposed to strong crosswinds or debris, while trains and harbour ferries are being monitored closely. Commuters across the region are being told to check the latest service updates before departing, and to build in extra time to reach work, school or appointments on Monday morning if conditions persist.
Emergency Services Urge Caution as Coastlines Bear the Brunt
Emergency management officials are strongly advising people to stay away from Wellington’s south coast and other exposed shorelines while the worst of the storm passes. Forecast swells of up to seven metres, combined with storm surge and high tide cycles, raise the risk of waves overtopping coastal defences and sweeping people, dogs or vehicles into the sea. Authorities stress that images and video from the shoreline may be dramatic, but the risks to onlookers are very real.
Surf lifesaving clubs and maritime authorities have issued parallel warnings, urging recreational boaters to remain in port and advising against any form of swimming, surfing or rock fishing along the south coast and around Cook Strait during the event. Harbourmasters have noted that strong southerly winds can create confused seas and dangerous wind-against-tide conditions in the narrow channels near the harbour entrance, making navigation challenging even for experienced skippers.
Inside the city, emergency services are preparing for a spike in weather-related callouts. Fire and Emergency New Zealand has pre-positioned resources to respond to reports of downed trees, loosened roofing and floodwater encroaching on homes or businesses. Police are focusing on road safety in hazardous areas and remain ready to assist with any evacuations should slips or flooding threaten occupied properties. Officials stress that anyone in immediate danger should call emergency services and not attempt to manage serious damage or flooding alone.
Flights, Hotels and Itineraries: What Travellers Should Do Now
For domestic and international travellers currently in Wellington or scheduled to pass through the city, the advice from airlines and travel operators is to be flexible and stay informed. Passengers are being urged to monitor email, text messages and airline apps for real-time updates about delays, cancellations or rebookings. Many carriers have introduced temporary flexibility policies when severe weather is forecast, allowing customers to change travel dates or routes without standard change fees, subject to fare rules and availability.
Visitors staying in central Wellington or coastal suburbs are being advised to review their accommodation bookings and communicate early with hotels, hostels and holiday rentals if arrival times are likely to change. Most large hotels in the city are accustomed to weather disruptions and can often accommodate late arrivals or unexpected extra nights, but capacity may tighten if multiple flights are cancelled or ferries are held back. Travellers should confirm check-in and check-out arrangements and keep copies of all receipts for potential travel insurance claims.
Those travelling onwards by road, bus or train should check the latest conditions before setting off. Long-distance coach operators and inter-regional train services may adjust timetables or reroute around problem areas, particularly if slips or flooding affect main highways. Travellers planning to drive rental vehicles north or south from Wellington are advised to factor in slower speeds, possible roadworks and sudden closures, especially at night when debris may be harder to see.
Staying Safe at Home: Practical Advice for Residents and Visitors
Officials are emphasising simple, practical steps to stay safe while the storm is at its peak. Residents and visitors alike are being asked to secure loose outdoor items such as outdoor furniture, barbecues, plant pots, bikes and rubbish bins that could become airborne in strong gusts. Curtains and blinds should be drawn, and people are encouraged to keep away from large windows in particularly exposed homes or apartments during the strongest winds.
Those in properties prone to flooding are being advised to move valuables and electronics off the floor, check that gutters and downpipes are clear where safe, and have a basic grab bag ready with essential documents, medication, a torch and a portable battery or power bank. Power companies recommend keeping mobile phones and devices fully charged in case of outages, and having a battery-powered radio or similar device available to receive updates if networks go down temporarily.
Anyone needing to travel on foot during the worst of the conditions should stay alert for falling branches, loose roofing materials and wind-blown debris. In steep suburbs where slips are a known risk, residents should keep an eye out for early warning signs such as new cracks in the soil, tilting fences or retaining walls, and should report any concerns to local authorities. Dog walkers and runners are being urged to avoid clifftop tracks and waterfront promenades until winds and waves ease.
How Long Will the Disruption Last and What Comes Next
Forecasters expect the most intense phase of southerly gales and heavy showers over Wellington to persist through late Sunday and into the early hours of Monday, with gradual easing through the day as the low moves east and weakens. While wind speeds should slowly drop, lingering showers, residual swell and a saturated landscape mean that hazards such as slips, fallen trees and minor flooding could continue to affect travel and some neighbourhoods into the new week.
Transport operators are preparing for a busy recovery window once conditions ease sufficiently to resume more normal operations. Airlines will work to clear passenger backlogs by scheduling additional services or using larger aircraft where possible, though seat availability may remain tight for several days. Ferry companies are likely to prioritise freight and disrupted passengers once seas calm enough for regular crossings, while road crews will shift focus to clearing debris, repairing guardrails and assessing any damage to coastal roads and sea walls.
For Wellington’s tourism sector, including hotels, restaurants and attractions, the immediate priority is managing cancellations and extended stays. However, operators are also accustomed to the city’s sometimes tempestuous weather and note that conditions often improve quickly once a system passes. Travellers planning to visit in the coming week are being reassured that most attractions and city services will resume quickly once it is safe, and that the capital remains well equipped to bounce back from storm events.