Weather is easing in Wellington after the capital was slammed by torrential rain and gale force winds overnight.
The harsh conditions are settling but some commuters are facing a longer trip than usual - a crash on State Highway 2 has caused gridlock between Haywards and Ngauranga, and State Highway 1 southbound is also backed up.
The Remutaka Hill Road is open but Paekākāriki Hill Rd has been closed due to a fallen tree.
"Take care on your [morning] commute Wellington, gale southerlies are helping waves wash onto roads," MetService warned early on Tuesday.
The severe wind and rain warnings issued for the capital are all easing at 10am - but it's been a busy night regardless.
At least two homes were evacuated in the Wellington region and all ferry services have been cancelled.
The two affected properties were in the Porirua suburb of Whitby, and were evacuated as a precaution.
Fire and Emergency said crews had been called to 10 flooding events around Wellington. Firefighters assisted with 10 weather-related callouts between 7pm and 9pm on Monday.
By 7am Tuesday, that number had grown to 26 - mostly related to surface flooding and fallen trees and powerlines, although three were due to trampolines being blown away by the severe gales. In Seatoun, one resident reported a fence being ripped from the ground and blown into a property.
Hutt Valley, Tawa, Porirua, Plimmerton and Whitby residents have been affected, the spokesperson told Newshub.
In an update on Tuesday morning, MetService confirmed the heavy rain in Wellington had eased and surface flooding had subsided.
The New Zealand Transport Agency is advising motorists to take extra care in high-sided vehicles or while riding a motorcycle.
Metlink confirmed all Tuesday morning ferry services had been cancelled.
Flights out of the capital were delayed early on Tuesday morning but by 10am Wellington Airport's flight tracker showed the majority of flights were leaving on time. Just one departing flight and three arriving flights have been delayed.
