Updated: Harsh Wellington weather highlights need for Transmission Gully motorway

Updated: Train services in Wellington have been suspended until at least midday after more heavy rain battered the capital last night.

All state highways are open, but officials are warning against any unnecessary travel.

Weather reports show more rain on the way later today, but the weather warning has expired for Wellington and Kapiti.

The severe weather has appeared to have claimed one life. Police say a man’s body was found near a submerged car in Lower Hutt.

Meanwhile in Mt Maunganui this morning, locals have been hit by a tornado.

There are reports of damaged homes, buildings, power lines and fences. 

Earlier: Heavy rain and flooding have highlighted the need for the planned Transmission Gully motorway in Wellington.

Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Milford says alternative routes into Wellington city – as well as key infrastructure – are “absolutely essential.”  

Commuters in Wellington have been warned against trying to get home as the highways and the train services have been affected by this afternoon’s flooding, which has caused three-hour queues between the CBD and Lower Hutt.

Mr Milford says extreme weather such as this highlights Wellington’s need for the motorway.

At 27 kilometres long and costing $850 million, the motorway, which would help to alleviate some of the traffic bottle necks along the SH1 coastal route, has been called the most talked about infrastructure project in New Zealand’s history by former transport minister Gerry Brownlee.

It would have provided Wellingtonians a safer way out of the city, something Mr Milford says is essential.

“Alternative means and routes into the city and key infrastructure are absolutely essential in today’s world.”

He adds this extreme type of weather is bound to have an effect on businesses in the region.

But, he says Wellington has a great ability to recover quickly.

“You only have to look at the previous two earthquakes to know how quickly we can get the city back on its feet.”

Despite being one of the main entities behind the push for the Transmission Gully, Wellington Gateway Partnership boss David Low refused to comment, telling NBR “we don’t do live interviews.”

A source in Wellington tells NBR one cell site in Tawa is currently down because of the weather.

“There has also been some localised congestion on a few Wellington cell sites, with steps being taken to alleviate that congestion and mitigate any risk.”

Another source says the Vodafone network is still up and running.

State highways one and two have both been closed and residents in Kapiti have been advised to look for accommodation in the city.