Live: Wellington braces ahead of forecast huge swells

20 minutes ago

Residents living along Wellington's south coast have been told to evacuate as the region braces against forecast swells in the Cook Strait.

About 350 seafront properties have been given until 9am to evacuate.

MetService has issued a heavy swell warning for Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head in Wellington, and Turakirae Head to Mataikona in Wairarapa.

The forecaster says southerly combined waves could rise to 9.5-10.5 metres late Tuesday morning, before easing midday Wednesday, with a peak period of 13 to 15 seconds.

On the Wellington south coast, waves are forecast to rise to 8-9 metres Tuesday afternoon, then ease ing Tuesday night, with a pale period of 12-14 seconds.

Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little declared a state of emergency for the region's southern and eastern wards on Monday afternoon.

Then, at 6.30pm, Wellington Civil Defence issued a mandatory evacuation order for waterfront properties in Ōwhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay and Breaker Bay - Lyall Bay is not included in the order.

Interislander and Bluebridge cancelled Cook Strait ferry sailings ahead of the swells.

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