Thunderstorm warning lifted after monsoon-like rains sweep Wellington
Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in Wellington, New Zealand, leading to concerns about urban infrastructure. Local authorities are now calling for an investigation into the city's drainage systems following the unexpected surge.
Why it matters
Urban flooding events are becoming a critical point of contention for city planning and climate resilience in metropolitan areas.
Questions are being raised about the cause of flooding in parts of the capital.
Wellington residents reported torrents surging down Tinakori Road in Thorndon on Saturday morning and rising around parked cars, with some joking a boat or kayak lane was needed on the busy street.
MetService issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Wellington for the morning, including for torrential rain, after thunderstorms were detected near the city and airport, moving east-northeast. The formal alert was extended during the morning, before later being lifted.
Wellingtonian Rebekah Ward described watching floodwaters rising towards the doors of shops in Tinakori Road, while having breakfast there.
She said the "river" of water rose to the bottom of parked cars and even knocked over a scooter, prompting fears her own vehicle could be swept away.
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