Drivers in the top of the South Island will need to be ready for challenging driving conditions tomorrow as bad weather moves up the country.
Update 22 September, 12:11pm:
The Metservice has issued updated weather warnings, meaning drivers in the Lower North Island can expect to see wet weather driving conditions at the start of the school holidays.
For Saturday, heavy rain watches are in place for Wellington, Kapiti Coast, Wairarapa and the Tararua Ranges.
Heavy rain warnings are in effect today and tonight for Tasman, west of Motueka, and the Bryant and northern Richmond Ranges.
Road users are encouraged to drive to the conditions as wet weather affects highways across the regions.
This means increasing following distances, taking extra care when braking, ensuring your headlights are on if there is rain and fog, and reducing speed. Wet roads are slippery roads – the faster you go, the longer it will take to stop.
Road users should also check road and weather conditions before travelling.
21 September 2023 11:58 am
The MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for Tasman, west of Motueka, and the Bryant and northern Richmond Ranges near Nelson.
They apply from midday Friday to midday on Saturday, with up to 150 mm of rain forecast.
MetService map for top of the South Island
The wet weather comes with the start of the school holidays and a time when there is likely to be more traffic on the roads.
It means drivers, particularly those using State Highway 6 near Nelson and State Highway 60 to Tākaka, should take extra care on the roads.
This means watching your following distances, having your headlights on if visibility is poor, and staying alert to possible road hazards. Heavy rain can cause slips, treefalls and localised flooding.
Road users are encouraged to check weather and road conditions before they travel, as bad weather can see state highways closed at short notice.
