Wellington weather: Fallen tree forces overnight closure of Seatoun Tunnel

Police are urging motorists to avoid the area.
Police are urging motorists to avoid the area. Photo credit: Newshub

A fallen tree has forced the closure of Wellington's Seatoun Tunnel, as wet weather continues to batter the capital.

Police were called at 12:40pm after the large tree came down, "posing a potential risk to motorists". 

In an update on Tuesday afternoon police said the tunnel will remain closed overnight due to the risk of the large tree falling down.

A police spokesperson said contractors will begin remedy work on Wendeday. 

Police are urging motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes. 

Pictures show a van and boat beneath the large fallen tree.

The wild weather saw the iconic Sea Lion ship sink in the Wellington Harbour earlier on Tuesday morning after nearly 20 years of being moored there. 

And it didn't end there for the capital. On Monday afternoon a major slip at the southern end of The Terrance saw 12 households evacuated. 

The Wellington City Council is advising locals to stay away from the area while authorities work to clear the slip.