Drivers urged to take extra care as wild weather hits

The NZ Transport Agency is urging drivers to take extra care and check the latest conditions with severe weather now hitting several parts of the South Island.

Heavy rain is falling in the West Coast and parts of Canterbury, with surface flooding affecting parts of the state highway network, including:

SH6 Hokitika to Haast

SH67 Westport to Mokihinui

SH73 Otira to Kumara

SH7 Kaiata to Greymouth

SH6 Barrytown to Nine mile

SH65/SH7 Springs Junction area

Drivers are urged to be aware of the risks of sudden surface flooding and slips, and take extra care with high winds also affecting many areas.

• For information on the latest driving conditions, go to the Traffic and Travel(external link) map on the Transport Agency’s web page, or phone 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) 

• All of the details of the Transport Agency’s Facebook and Twitter accounts nationwide can be found at www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us (external link) 

• Please check the MetService severe weather warnings(external link) for updates. 

• In case of an emergency, always carry a fully-charged mobile phone and warm, weatherproof clothing, food and water.