Wind warning for Rimutaka motorists

Wind gusts of up to 110km an hour will hit parts of the Wairarapa and Wellington today and could cause damage to trees, powerlines and be dangerous to motorcyclists.

Police have issued a warning to motorists travelling on the Rimutaka Hill, State Highway Two, this morning.

MetService said the front that brought heavy rain yesterday to the West Coast was dying down and moving to the northern reaches of the South Island.

Forecaster John Crouch said the front should pass over the Cook Strait by about midday when the strong wind gusts were also due to ease.

- NZHERALD STAFF