Orange wind warning issued for Wellington, Marlborough Sounds

MetService has issued orange wind warnings for Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds as severe southerly winds affect the capital.

Gusts of up to 130km/h are possible in both regions, with conditions expected to worsen overnight. MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons said gale-force southerlies were already affecting parts of Wellington, with monitoring stations at Kelburn and the airport recording gusts of 100km/h.

Heavy swells are hitting Wellington's south coast. Wellington Electricity has warned residents to expect power outages as falling tree branches and debris threaten power lines.