Heavy rain has flooded rivers coming off Mt Taranaki today. Photo / NZPA
1:52 PM Tuesday Dec 28, 2010
Motorists are being warned (click title to entry - thank you) to drive to the conditions as heavy rain and strong winds lash New Zealand today, bringing down trees and powerlines.A strong-wind warning was earlier today issued for Marlborough - excluding the Sounds - Wellington, Wairarapa, the central and lower North Island, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
WeatherWatch.co.nz reported stunning hurricane force winds gusting over 172kmh on Mt Kaukau in Wellington.
Gusts reaching 120kmh were also recorded at Wellington Airport.
State Highway two at Rimutaka Hill has been closed due to the high winds, although the gusts are now easing.
Head weather analyst Philip Duncan said the winds could make driving dangerous for some drivers in exposed areas dangerous.
"Vans, caravans, motorbikes and trucks will be worst affected by these winds across Wellington and Wairarapa. We advise extreme caution and recommend waiting until later in the day to drive in the two regions."
Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa could expect gusts of up to 130km/h and other areas gusts of up to 120km/h.,,,
