Storm update 9.30am - widespread damage, danger

Motorists are advised, if possible, to delay journeys into and around Wellington this morning due to numerous blockages and delays caused by the southerly storm.

Updates:

* Moa Point Road is closed due to huge seas breaking over the southern end of the Wellington Airport runway.

* Power poles are in danger of toppling on the seafront at Lyall Bay.

* Stewart Duff Drive, on the eastern side of the Airport, is closed because cladding is being blown off a hangar.

* The Hutt Road is closed between Ngaio Gorge Road and Onslow Road because of lifting roofing at the Placemakers site.

* Makara Road and Ohariu Valley Road closed by fallen trees and power lines.

* Council Parks staff have closed off the walking tracks on Tinakori Hill due to the danger caused by many falling trees.

* Panels have blown off two buildings at Queens Wharf on the waterfront, and windows have been blown in at the former Herd Street Post Office Building. People are advised to stay away from the area

* A big slip has closed Homebush Road, Khandallah.

Wellington City Council Infrastructure Manager Stavros Michael says motorists are likely to find it difficult getting about town. "Roads are closed - and we now have serious traffic congestion due to the number of people trying to drive into, and around, town."

He says drivers should also stay away from roads in the area of Owhiro Bay, Island Bay and Lyall Bay. "If motorists go to look at the spectacular scenes then they could put themselves in harm's way."

He adds that Tinakori Hill - the scene of widespread tree damage following the February storms - is again "looking a complete mess. Even though very few people will likely go up Tinakori Hill today, we have closed the tracks because the trees are coming down all over the place."

The Council asks residents to call 499 4444 if they know of any road obstacles that should be cleared.

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