UPDATE 5:10 pm: Road closures in place in the top of the South Island can be expected to remain in place overnight and until further notice.
This includes State Highway 6 Rocks Road in Nelson. It will be closed overnight, and a site investigation into debris and rock falls that have caused its closure will be carried out tomorrow morning.
Heavy rain and high winds continue to affect the region, and road closures must remain in place to keep the public safe.
Ongoing rain is causing slips and flooding at multiple locations across the region, and strong winds are also bringing down trees and other debris. Drivers are urged to avoid any unnecessary travel and those who are using the roads must be prepared for hazardous driving conditions.
State highways will be reopened when it is safe to do so. Drivers must obey all road closures. They are there to keep the public safe.
Updates will be provided as the situation changes.
Current closures
UPDATE 3:10 pm:
Heavy rain and flooding have extended state highway closures in the Nelson/Tasman region.
Current closures
Drivers must be prepared for further closures across the state highway network across the entire top of the South Island. Extreme caution will be needed on all roads as evening approaches and visibility for drivers on the roads worsens.
While all highways in Marlborough are currently open, there is a potential for weather-related closures here as well. Contractors are monitoring State Highway 63 Renwick to Kawatiri Junction, particularly the flood damaged area at Andersons Bridge.
Updates will be provided as the situation changes. People should avoid non-essential travel and ensure they stay up to date on the latest weather, Civil Defence, and road information.
UPDATE 2:30 pm
Bad weather and heavy rain are causing State Highway closures in Nelson/Tasman region.
Current closures
UPDATE 11:15am
The Metservice has issued a Red Heavy Rain Warning for Tasman district about and southeast of Motueka and north of Lake Rotoroa.
Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are also in force for Tasman District northwest of Motueka, Nelson, and Marlborough northwest of the Awatere Valley.
This weather will affect:
Emma Speight, Director Regional Relationships says Red Warnings must be taken seriously.
“There is no room for complacency. Keep an eye on the weather and avoid unnecessary travel. If you’re in a safe place, stay there and don’t put yourself at risk by driving on flooded roads.”
“It’s also about reducing danger to others too. Respect and obey any road closures that are in place. They are there to keep people safe. Ignoring them not only risks your own safety, but also that of anyone who may be called on to help rescue you,” Ms Speight says.
She also asks people to avoid driving through floodwaters.
“Flood waters can obscure hidden dangers. You just don’t know what is below the surface.”
“Also, driving through flooded areas creates bow waves that can cause more damage to homes and properties. Please, don’t do this,” Ms Speight says.
Contractors are on call and ready to respond to events as they arise and will do their best to keep state highways open.
However, Ms Speight says safety is the priority.
“We are keeping a close eye on areas that suffered damage over the past two weeks – SH6 Kohatu to Kawatiri, SH63 Renwick to Saint Arnaud, and SH6 Rocks Road.”
“If public safety is at risk, roads will be closed. This is why it is critical people keep a close eye on road and weather conditions, and Civil Defence updates. Make sure you know what is happening and how it may affect you,” Ms Speight says.
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