Winds, waves battering Wellington, causing road closure

High tide and winds in Lowry Bay. Photo / Facebook

Wild weather in the capital has caused waves and debris to wash over a road in Eastbourne, closing it.

Police have confirmed that Marine Parade is now open.

Motorists and residents are being urged to remain alert and drive carefully in the area.

Waves going over the road at Lowry Bay. Photo / Facebook

MetService has issued a severe weather watch for Wellington and Malborough as south-easterly gales sweep central New Zealand tonight.

There is a possibility that southerly gales will become severe in exposed parts of the Kaikoura Coast, Marlborough Sounds and Wellington through to about midnight.

These should ease on Friday morning.

Excuse the squeals, our "quick" trip to Eastbourne this eve was huge 🌊 pic.twitter.com/WeMEdmg9NF

— Katie 🌸 (@katie_pai) November 17, 2016

If this ain't sea-level rise, it's sure what it'll look like: Marine Parade, Eastbourne. ph Matt Hayes via https://t.co/JCvySStQXV pic.twitter.com/JYOGXxP15T

— Nathan Ross ᴾʰᴰ (@NathanJonRoss) November 17, 2016