Regional State of Emergency: Wellington Residents in Flood-Prone Zones Told to Evacuate

WREMO has issued a 24-hour evacuation advisory for residents in flood-prone parts of Wellington, Hutt Valley, and Wairarapa as a slow-moving storm threatens major rivers.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 5:09 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Targeted Evacuations: Who Should Leave?

Unlike a general suburb-wide evacuation, this advisory is specifically targeted at individuals and properties with a history of repeat flooding.

High-Risk Areas Include:

Hutt Valley: Particularly properties near the Waiwhetu Stream, which saw significant flooding as recently as February.

Wairarapa & Kāpiti: Low-lying areas prone to river swells.

Wellington City: Coastal and stream-adjacent properties in suburbs like Ōwhiro Bay and Island Bay.