Drivers travelling on highways in the lower North and Upper South Islands need to be ready for bad weather driving conditions.
The Metservice has issued weather watches for both regions for this afternoon and overnight, meaning drivers must take extra care on the roads.
Top of the South:
A Heavy Rain Warning has been issued for Tasman west of Motueka, and the Grey and Buller Districts. They apply until early tomorrow morning (Monday). A Heavy Rain Watch is also in place for Marlborough west of Havelock.
Wind Warnings and Watches are in place for Marlborough, the Kaikoura ranges and Kaikoura coast.
This bad weather will affect State Highway 1 in Marlborough, State Highway 6 Blenheim to Nelson, State Highway 63 Wairau Valley to St Arnaud, State Highway 60 Tākaka, and State Highway 6 Buller Gorge
Lower North Island:
For Wellington and Wairarapa, a Strong Wind Warning is in force from late afternoon to early Monday morning, and a Heavy Rain Warning has also been issued for the Tararua Ranges.
This weather will affect all regional state highways. State Highway 2 and State Highway 53 in Wairarapa. State Highway 1, 2, 58 and 59 in Wellington, the Hutt Valley, Porirua, and the Kāpiti Coast.
Driving Advice:
Drivers of high-sided vehicles, light vehicles, and motorcyclists should exercise caution when travelling on exposed routes such as State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully. Be prepared for hazards such as wind gusts, wind-blown debris, and potential tree falls.
Where heavy rain is forecast, drivers must be alert to the increased risk of slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding.
The poor weather will also coincide with peak traffic on Monday morning. Commuters must drive to the conditions – if the roads are wet, increase your following distance, avoid sudden braking, and use your headlights if visibility is poor.
Weather warnings and watches have also been issued for other regions in the South Island, including the West Coast, alpine passes, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland.
Roads can be closed at short notice in severe weather. Drivers should check road and weather conditions before they travel.
