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Storm-lashed Wellingtonians are bracing for high tide, with some residents urged to self-evacuate amid fears of monster waves inundating coastlines.

Severe winds of up to 150km/h have smashed the capital today, felling trees, lifting roofs, closing roads and sparking more than 100 emergency callouts.

Wellington City Council said because of the red wind warning and a higher tide expected about 8pm, some residents are advised to leave their homes and seek safety.

“Wellington City Council is strongly advising residents of the south coast, particularly those in Ōwhiro Bay, to consider staying somewhere else tonight if possible.

“If you choose to stay at home, please be aware you may not be able to access your property by vehicle after 5.30pm tonight.”

Meanwhile, Christchurch has been placed under a state of emergency after torrential rain triggered widespread flooding, with some people rescued from water-logged cars.

The announcement was made by Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell, who travelled to Canterbury this afternoon to survey the damage.

A local state of emergency has also been declared for the Selwyn district.

MetService has upgraded Wellington’s wind warning to a rare red level, with destructive gales and a threat to life from flying items and falling trees.

The warning will last for 13 hours until 3am tomorrow.

“Stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. Avoid travel. Be ready for power and communication outages.”

Hundreds of homes are without power. Flights have been cancelled for the rest of the day at Wellington Airport, with warnings of more wild weather and further disruptions in coming days.

Follow the latest updates from the wild weather in our blog below.