Wellington is mopping up from a weekend of wild weather.

Gale force southerlies dumped rain on the region for the entire weekend, and forced ferry sailings to be cancelled and flights delayed.

Swells of up to 5 and 6 metres (the height of traffic lights) hit Cook Strait during the storm, leaving debris on roads, some of which were closed by surface flooding and fallen power lines. Parts of the roads around the South Coast remain covered in seaweed, rocks and gravel, with motorists warned to take extra care.

Christchurch has already seen more than three times its usual volume of rain for May. Weather analyst Richard Green says Saturday was the wettest day last week with 24mm. He says that is on top of regular drenchings over the past couple of weeks, giving Christchurch a reading of 145mm of rain so far this month. The average total for May is just 50mm.

Richard Green expects things will gradually dry out over the next few days.

But it’s likely to be short lived – another wintry assualt is on the way for the long weekend – possibly driving in more rain and snow to both islands.  Check out our Queens Birthday weekend forecast here.

WeatherWatch / newstalkzb.co.nz