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Interislander ferry - Source: ONE News -
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Passengers hoping to cross the Cook Strait by ferry on Saturday have had their plans dashed, with all crossings being cancelled due to wild weather conditions.
All Bluebridge and Interislander ferry sailings have been cancelled as gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour have recorded with swells of 14 metres in the Cook Strait, leaving nearly 1500 people stranded in Wellington or Picton.
"We're just looking to get to queenstown asap but looks like we're stuck here for a little bit," says one group of Kiwi Experience travellers experiencing the full force of the weather.
It was hoped crossings would begin again on Sunday when conditions are expected to ease, spokesmen from both companies said.
Small plane flights into the capital have also been diverted or cancelled, with only the bigger planes able to battle the 112 kilometre winds recorded at the airport.
Out at sea swells were 14 metres high and the waves showed their power as they hit land.
Massive waves have hit the south coast of Wellington causing sea water and debris to be washed over roads.
The heavy seas are proving to be a hazard to drivers and police are advising motorists to avoid the roads.
Wellington City Council are currently attempting to clear the roads.
The high winds have closed a road near Upper Hutt.
Several power poles on Blue Mountains Road have been damaged and have blocked the road to all traffic, police said.
Power pole damages has also cut electricity to around 20 houses in the Lower Hutt region.
Emergency services and council workers are working to clear the area.
Weather warning
Meanwhile, the MetService has issued a severe weather warning for southerly gales, heavy snow and heavy rain nationwide.
A strong cold southerly airstream was expected to bring snow to the central North Island, with heavy falls of 15-25cm predicted to fall on Saturday afternoon and evening.
The Desert Road, State Highway 49 through Ohakune and SH4 through Tongariro National Park are likely to be affected.
Heavy rain was expected on Saturday evening for Canterbury to the Kaikoura Coast, southeast of Blenheim, the MetService said.
Severe southerly gales are expected for Banks Peninsula, east of Christchurch, to the Wairarapa, with gusts reaching up to 120kmh at times.
A severe weather watch for heavy rain in Wellington and the Wairarapa all weekend has also been issued, with a low expected to bring heavy rain in the coastal hills of the Wairarapa, southern and eastern slopes of the Tararua Ranges, and Wellington.
For the latest forecast for your area go to TVNZ weather
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