Massive waves have caused havoc on Wellington's south coast, sending boulders onto roads, despite fine and sunny weather in the region today.

Throughout the day, there were reports of fierce waves in Owhiro Bay, Island Bay and Lyall Bay.



Part of the a road lane and footpath at Owhiro Bay Parade is closed. Big waves are pounding the rocks and lapping at the esplanade.

Rocks, stones, pebbles and driftwood are scattered around the Esplanade at Island Bay, slowing traffic.

Contractors are using a digger to clear debris from the area.

But weather conditions in Wellington were stunning today, with sunshine forecast throughout the whole day and a high of 16C.

MetService marine forecaster Mike O'Connor said the swells would have been a result of a deep low passing over the south and east of the country today and strong southwesterly winds over the country.

"We've had quite a strong southwesterly over much of the country today - but Wellington was in a nice little pocket, where we were getting sheltered from the South Island.

"So that low has moved east and it's kicked up this big swell that's come from the southern ocean.''

Tomorrow's weather forecast shows a showery morning with sunny spells and a high of 12C. There is also due to be a southerly change - which will again see big swells.

"The swell is still going to be big tomorrow. What we've got right now is probably slightly higher than what's going to be tomorrow - but it's still going to be pretty large tomorrow.

"We're expecting the swell to ease up tomorrow, but then it picks up again [later in the day]."

Mr O'Connor said swells could reach heights of between 4 to 6m, especially around more open areas including Cape Palliser.

Roads closed

Wellington City Council said the eastern end of Lyall Bay- Moa Point Road was closed due to "high seas", and that drivers should take care if driving south coast roads.

A Wellington City Council spokesman said road closures started from the eastern side of Lyall Bay, near the airport, and included Moa Point Road - where debris had blocked off parts of the road.

Crews were currently working to clear rocks and debris from the area and it was not yet known when the roads would be reopened.

Spokesman Clayton Anderson said: "They'll be making a call sometime tonight. But if you're driving to the airport tonight, then take the main route. Don't take the southern coast route because you won't get through.''

Mr Anderson said the high tide had come in around 3pm and conditions looked to be dying down now (just before 5pm).

The council and emergency services were, however, continuing to ask members of the public to stay away from the area as conditions remained quite dangerous.

"There have been a lot of people coming out to watch, so we're just asking people to stay away. The waves are unpredictable.''

He said people could keep updated about the situation and road closures via the Wellington City Council's social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.



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Bron:http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11465079



  | Gewijzigd: 31 januari 2017, 12:47 uur, door Joyce.s