Update 4 April, 7:15 am: All state highways are open in the top of the South Island this morning following more heavy rain in the region overnight.
There has been some surface flooding overnight on State Highway 65 between Springs Junction and Murchison, but the route is open to traffic.
Weather warnings remain in place for the region and the bad weather is forecast to ease later today.
Drivers still need to exercise caution on the roads, particularly during peak travel times this morning.
Road crews remain on standby and ready to respond to any incidents. Further assessments of the network will be carried out today and updates provided if required.
Given the amount of rain that has fallen across Tasman, Nelson, and Marlborough, and with more rain expected today, an ongoing risk of slips, rockfalls, and flooding remains.
Drivers should check road and weather conditions before they travel and report any incidents/issues they encounter on local highways.
UPDATE 3 April, 8 pm:
With heavy rain continuing to affect the top of the South Island and forecast to continue into tomorrow (Friday), safety on the region’s roads remains a priority.
So far, no major incidents have been reported on the state highway network and all highways are currently open. Although there has been some flooding on State Highway 6 in Nelson near the Quarantine Road roundabout.
However, with weather warnings remaining in force until late tomorrow morning, there remains a real possibility of incidents occurring on the network overnight.
Drivers are urged to drive with extra caution tonight and be prepared for hazardous conditions. The longer the bad weather continues, the greater the risk there is of slips, rockfalls, and flooding on the highways and local roads.
Contractors are on standby to respond where needed, but it is crucial people check road and weather conditions before they travel. Bad weather can close roads at short notice.
Drivers are also encouraged to report any problems/issues they see on the highways. This will allow work crews to respond and fix them quickly.
2 April:
With wet weather approaching, drivers in the top of the South Island are urged to take extra care on the roads.
The Metservice has issued multiple weather warnings for the region.
Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued for Tasman northwest of Motueka, the Buller District, the Marlborough, Richmond, and Bryant Ranges. A Heavy Rain Watch is also in place for Nelson and Tasman.
The alerts apply from early Thursday morning to approximately midday on Friday.
Metservice weather alerts, top of the South Island.
The bad weather will affect all regional state highways:
Drivers must be prepared for wet weather driving and take extra care on the roads. Wet roads are slippery so road users should drive to the conditions – reduce speed, increase following distances, and avoid sudden braking. They should also use headlights if visibility is poor – be safe, be seen.
Heavy rain also increases the risks of slips and localised flooding. Road users must be prepared for these hazards while weather warnings are active.
Bad weather can also see roads closed at short notice. Drivers are encouraged to check road and weather conditions before they travel.
