MetService warns of severe rain and wind across Wellington and Wairarapa

Heavy rain across Wairarapa has closed the Waihenga Bridge on State Highway 53 near Martinborough.

Rising water levels in the Ruamahanga River have forced authorities to close the bridge for safety reasons. The bridge will remain out of use until water levels recede.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says detours are in place but will require extra travel time of between 40 and 50 minutes and that drivers must be prepared for delays.

Heavy rain warnings remain in place for parts of the North Island and South Island today as strong winds hit areas of the country south of Wairarapa.

Hundreds of homes are without power near Masterton, although work is under way to restore electricity.

Wellington and Wairarapa can expect strong northwest winds that may approach severe gales.

The Canterbury high country and the Tararua district are under the same warning and the Tararua Range is under an orange heavy rain warning until 8pm.

MetService is forecasting 150-200mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, with peak rates of 20-30mm/h.

SH53 has reopened southeast of Featherston, near Murphys Line, after downed power lines earlier closed the road.

An orange heavy rain warning is now in place for headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers south of the Rangitata River, while the same warning was lifted for the northwest corner of the South Island earlier today.

SH53 Detour routes:

• Featherston to Martinborough:
• Carterton to Martinborough:
• Clareville to Martinborough: