Wellington City Council’s public-facing facilities are closing early today due to the severe southerly storm affecting the region.

The city’s libraries and City Archives closed at 3pm. Swimming pools and recreation centres are due to close at 4pm. All sportsfields are closed for the day. The Toi Poneke arts centre is also closed today.

The Council’s Chief Operating Officer, James Roberts, says the early closures are in the interests of reducing the risk to members of the public and to enable staff to get home early in case the weather deteriorates further this evening.

Members of the public are also urged to stay away from the Town Belt and other reserves due to the risk of falling trees. Council staff will check reserves from tomorrow and begin work to clear any fallen trees.

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