Weather: Wellington battered by 120km/h southerly winds, rain and snow

Peter Hensley (left) and Greg McPhest are caught in a snowfall while out for one of their twice-weekly walks in Karori, Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Travellers in the Wellington region are facing disruption as a winter storm batters the country.

MetService said Wellington can expect gale southerlies, thunderstorms, hail and snow to 300 metres today.

Winds could reach severe gale in exposed places, gusting 120km/h.

The Remutaka Hill Rd was closed due to the bad driving conditions. Motorists are urged to take extra and expect delays as queued vehicles clear.

UPDATE 11:30AM
Due to poor weather conditions, contractors have CLOSED Remutaka Hill and will reopen it after midday. Please expect DELAYS as traffic will be held at either end for over 30 minutes. ^IF pic.twitter.com/hTvmqwOHsE

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) August 8, 2021

The bad weather has also disrupted sea and air travel with ferries and flights cancelled.

Wellington Airport said passengers should check with their airlines for further updates.

This morning's Cook Strait ferries were cancelled due to bad sea conditions, with Bluebridge yet to make a decision about whether this afternoon's sailings will go ahead.

Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has also caused flooding on the Takarau Gorge Rd.

A woman walking her dogs is caught in a snowfall on Wright's Hill in Karori, Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Wellington City Council has advised drivers to take alternative routes and take extra care on the roads in the area.

It is the second time the route that links Johnsonville to Makara Beach has been shut due to flooding since July.

There were delays on State Highway 1 this morning when wind blew cones onto the road from nearby roadworks.

A lane was closed between Tawa and Porirua although the debris has since been cleared.