Wild weather is continuing to wreak havoc in windy Wellington, with strong gales blowing down trees, damaging power-lines - and scattering portaloos.
Wellington City Council's Richard Maclean confirmed to Newshub that gusty winds had sent three portaloos flying in the coastal suburb of Island Bay - and council workers weren't yet certain if the toilets were empty at the time.
"Troublingly, we've had reports of three portaloos flying across the road in Island Bay," Maclean told Newshub on Tuesday morning.
"Our crews are on the way to try and clear those up - and make sure no one was inside them when they took off."
The loos were littered about on Reef St, a busy area near the Island Bay bus terminal.
"The portaloos [went] adrift on Reef St, which is the bus terminal. It's quite a busy place. It's a priority for us to go and clear that situation up," he said.
He also reiterated calls by MetService and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for locals to take care and remain vigilant while travelling on Tuesday.
"We're asking motorists and cyclists to keep an eye out, particularly on the twistier roads around Wellington. We've had a steady stream of reports about bits of tree coming down, there's been at least one slip in Maupuia. We've also had reports of trees or branches down in Johnsonville," he said.
"Winds have been blowing since about 10pm last night, so we're advising people to be a bit careful because the gales are supposed to continue until later this morning. Everyone should keep an eye out... you might go around the corner and find a tree down. People should take care."
Tuesday marks yet another day of blustery winds, heavy rain and flooding for the capital, with delayed flights, cancelled ferry services and evacuated properties.
MetService confirmed that the city had been subjected to large amounts of rain in the last 13 hours, with the Wainuiomata gauges clocking 69.88mm from 6pm on Monday.
The agency warned commuters to be careful on Tuesday morning, as gale southerlies washed waves across the roads.
A strong wind warning is currently in place for the Wellington area, including the Kapiti Coast south of Otaki and the coast north of Cape Campbell.
"Southerly gales are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 120 km/h," it said.
"Strong wind gusts could damage trees, power-lines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles."
