Wellington flights grounded as strong winds hit capital

All outbound flights from Wellington Airport are being held on the ground until further notice due to severe winds.

One Jetstar flight from Auckland landed earlier this morning but it took two tries to get the plane down safely.

Airport spokeswoman Arpita Dutta said the weather is making cargo transfers impossible.

She said they've decided to hold all flights for now.

Gusts of more than 150 kilometres an hour have been recorded at the Rimutaka Summit, as well as gusts of 118 kilometres an hour at Wellington Airport.

⚠ ✈️ Severe weather is causing flight delays and cancellations. Please check our website for any updates: https://t.co/M7HtbkdVVu

— Wellington Airport (@WLGAirport) January 18, 2017

There were also no ferries or trolley buses running as this story was published, with updates expected through the day.

Cable Car Lane in central Wellington is closed due to the high winds, with the cable car itself still running - passengers can access it through the Fujitsu Tower food court.

For bus cancellations please check the RTI information for your stop on our website or new Metlink Commuter app: https://t.co/h5VObtjx6f

— Metlink Wellington (@metlinkwgtn) January 18, 2017

Harbor Ferry Full Cancellation https://t.co/qq6rYX77od

— Metlink Wellington (@metlinkwgtn) January 18, 2017

MetService Meteorologist Hannah Mose said these are very strong winds, but they're expecting them to ease around midday.

"These are unusually strong, we get gales in the Wellington region fairly often but these are exceptionally strong."

State Highway Two over the Rimutaka Hill is closed.

The East by West harbour ferry has also been cancelled.

Waves are crashing over Cobham Drive near the airport.

Fire Service Shift Manager Craig Dally said they've had a number of weather related callouts this morning.

"We've had about five calls to roofs lifting, just roofing iron lifting in the wind in Karori, Brooklyn, Newtown and Roseneath."

- NZ Herald / Guy Parsons