Heavy Swell Warning in New Zealand

A major heavy swell warning was issued for New Zealand’s Wellington and Wairarapa coasts as a strong southerly system produced dangerous seas. Waves were forecast to reach 7–8 metres in Wellington and up to 10 metres in exposed Wairarapa areas, with the worst impacts expected around high tide, increasing the risks of coastal inundation and wave overtopping.

A local state of emergency was declared in Wellington, with evacuations ordered in some coastal zones and warnings issued for people to stay away from shorelines. Cook Strait ferry services were cancelled due to hazardous sea conditions.