With heavy rain warnings issued, Waka Kotahi wants motorists to be extra careful on the region’s roads over the next few days.
Update 5 May, 11.03am
The Metservice has revised its forecast and warnings for the top of the South Island. While Orange Alerts and heavy rain warnings remain in place, the amount of rain forecast for the region has reduced.
However, there is still more rain forecast for the region over the weekend and into next week, which could affect state highways and local roads. Residents and drivers must be prepared for the bad weather and take extra care on the roads.
If the situation worsens, it is essential people stay up to date on road, weather, and Civil Defence information, and avoid travel if conditions are unsafe:
Update 4 May, 10.58am
The Metservice has updated its weather warnings for the region. Heavy rain watches are now in force for Horowhenua, Wellington, Marlborough, Nelson, Tasman, and Golden Bay.
The top of the South Island will get the worst of the weather. The Metservice warnings apply from tonight through to Saturday. Up to 450mm of rain is expected in the ranges west of Motueka and up to 350 mm for the Richmond and Bryant Ranges and the Rai Valley.
The Metservice has issued Orange Alerts for the region but warns they could be upgraded to red.
The top of the South Island is expected to get significant rain. This has the potential to cause flooding and slips. Highways could be closed at short notice if rivers and streams rise rapidly.
This is likely to be a significant weather event. Drivers should check weather and road conditions before travelling and be prepared for road closures and delays.
Drivers are urged to check road and weather conditions online before they travel. If it’s not safe, please delay your journey.
State Highway Conditions(external link)
Metservice Weather Warnings(external link)
3 May 2023, 11.22am
The Metservice has a heavy rain warning for Horowhenua and Wellington from nine pm tonight to nine pm Thursday. A similar warning applies to Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson for almost two days from nine pm on Thursday. A heavy rain watch is in place for Tākaka and Golden Bay.
With up to 130 mm of rain forecast for Wellington/Horowhenua and potentially 300 mm for Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson, Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/ Top of the South, says people need to be ready.
“We are keeping a close eye on the weather and have our contractors ready to respond if it causes problems on state highways. However, past experiences show that slips, treefalls, and flooding can happen quickly. It means roads can be closed at short notice.”
Mr Owen says drivers need to be ready for this and check road and weather conditions before they travel.
For those on the roads, he says extra care is needed.
“If the rain is heavy and visibility is bad, use your headlights. Be seen and be safe. Wet roads are slippery, so please watch your speed and following distances. Be prepared for hazards, as you never know what might be around the next corner.”
“Please don’t drive through flooded roads either. You don’t know how strong the water current may be or what dangers it may hide. It’s simply not worth the risk,” Mr Owen says.
Drivers are urged to check road and weather conditions online before they travel. If it’s not safe, please delay your journey.
