21/04/2026
Tuesday update – 2.30pm
Updated weather warnings and watches 🟠🟡
We are now under an Orange Heavy Rain Warning until 6.00pm and a Strong Wind Watch until 9.00pm tonight.
Conditions are still hazardous. Stay alert, always travel to conditions, and be prepared for unexpected impacts on your journey – clean-up works are taking place across the wider region.
Local roading update 🚗
SH2 (Remutaka Hill, Kaitoke to Featherston) remains closed due to a bridge washout. NZTA crews are working on a temporary fix and estimate the route to be closed for 24 hours. For the latest updates on the roading network, check the NZTA Journey Planner 👇
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
One lane is still closed at 615 Whitemans Valley Road due to a slip. Work is under way to clear this and expected to be completed this afternoon.
Akatarawa Road, around 1km south of Staglands: debris and small slips have narrowed the road. Stay alert and travel with caution.
Be prepared for slips and landslides 🪨
Ongoing rain has made the ground and our surrounding hills water-logged.
Watch out for the following:
- Small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes
- Sticking doors and window frames
- Gaps where frames are not fitting properly
- Outside fixtures such as steps, decks, and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house
- New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces
- Tilting trees, retaining walls or fences
If you notice any of the above, move to safety immediately – do not delay. If life is at risk, ring 111.
Thank you to everyone who has stayed informed with us and followed official advice yesterday, overnight, and this morning. We’ll continue to provide updates as needed here and on our website.
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Tuesday update – 9.50am
Traffic and roading update 🚗
The following roads are currently closed or impacted:
• State Highway 2 (Remutaka Hill) Kaitoke to Featherston is CLOSED due to a bridge washout; delay travel if possible
• One lane is closed at 615 Whitemans Valley Road due to a slip
Wallaceville Hill Road is fully OPEN again.
Our crews continue to be out and about across Upper Hutt checking and assessing infrastructure.
Avoid all non-essential travel and expect delays throughout the day.
If you must travel, stay alert and be prepared for conditions to change quickly.
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Tuesday update – 7.30am
‼️ Road closure: State Highway 2 Kaitoke to Featherston, (Remutaka Hill)
Due to a bridge washout, State Highway 2 is closed between Kaitoke and Featherston.
Delay travel if possible and stay up to date on the latest traffic updates via the NZTA Journey Planner 👇
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
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🌧️Tuesday update – 6.05am
Good morning, Upper Hutt!
Heavy rain and strong winds are currently forecast to continue across the region today. Conditions remain unpredictable, and the risk of slips, flooding, and surface flooding is still high today.
👉 Avoid unnecessary travel. Stay home if it is safe to do so.
🚗 If you must travel:
• drive to the conditions and slow down
• increase following distances
• watch for debris, surface flooding, and slips
• expect delays and possible road closures
⛔ Local road closures and restrictions:
• One lane is closed at 615 Whitemans Valley Road due to a slip
• The right lane on Wallaceville Hill Road is closed due to a fallen tree
• The parking area under the Silverstream Bridge is closed for public safety
🏫 Check before you go:
• Check with your child’s school or early childhood centre for closures
• Check Metlink for public transport disruptions
• Check with your workplace about alternative arrangements
• Check NZTA Journey Planner for live updates to state highways disruptions: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
⚠️ Stay safe:
• Do not walk, drive, or play in floodwater
• Stay away from rivers, streams, and bridges
• Do not attempt to clear slips or debris yourself. These areas can be unstable and dangerous
• Please continue to report issues to Council and allow trained crews to respond safely
• Be prepared for possible power outages
• Keep phones charged and emergency supplies ready
🤝 Look out for one another
• Check in on neighbours, friends, and whānau, especially those who may need extra support, when it is safe to do so
📢 Council crews are continuing to monitor conditions and responding where needed. We will keep providing updates through the day
Stay safe, Upper Hutt. 💛