Tree down on Lambton Quay, Wellington under heavy rain watch and wind warning

Northwest gales are expected to gust up to 140km/h in exposed places until 6pm on Saturday. Photo / 123RF

A tree has come down on Lambton Quay in Wellington, as wild weather hits the capital.

Wellington City Council advised via Twitter emergency services were working at the scene to get the area cleared.

Tree down on Lambton Quay blocking one lane.
Emergency services are on the scene now to dismantle and remove it.
Please avoid the area if possible. pic.twitter.com/nLCF0SH46r

— Wellington City Council (@WgtnCC) July 16, 2021

It comes after Metservice issued a severe wind warning for the Wellington region this weekend as northwest gales are expected to gust up to 140km/h in exposed places until 6pm on Saturday.

The capital will also be under a heavy rain watch.

The Wairarapa be under a severe wind warning, as gusts of 120km/h in exposed areas are forecasted.

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND - SEVERE WEATHER WARNING – 1:20PM@MetService is forecasting strong winds & heavy rain on #SH1 Desert Rd. There is also a strong wind warning for #SH5 Napier to Taupo. Take extra care if you are in a lighter or high-sided vehicle or riding a motorcycle. ^AP https://t.co/m20hB1pL2l

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) July 16, 2021

The strong wind could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.

Waka Kotahi NZTA warned motorists of possible hazardous driving conditions, especially for those in high-sided vehicles and on motorbikes.

Because of the extreme weather set to hit the capital, the Wellington Harbour ferry will be operating on a restricted timetable.

When it rains, it pours.

Not only is torrential rain on Mother Nature’s menu, but howling winds are too 😵‍💫

On Saturday, they’ll sweep across the North Island.

Potential impacts: downed trees & powerlines, damage to some structures, and difficult driving conditions. pic.twitter.com/F0Z5kaKBv7

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) July 15, 2021

The timetable will be as follows: departing Queens Wharf: 2.05pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm, & 6.30pm. Departing Days Bay: 3.15pm, 4.55pm, 6, & 6.55pm. This also means there will be no travel into Seatoun this afternoon.

The wild wind and rain is part of a wider weather system that has resulted in a rare "red warning" being issued for parts of the South Island's West Coast. Residents are told to brace for heavy rain, flooding, slips and possible thunderstorms.