Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is urging people in Gisborne to take extra care on the roads due to severe weather conditions in the region, which is expected to continue for the next couple of days.
Civil Defence has declared a state of emergency across Tarawhiti as heavy rain continues to impact the district. MetService has warned that the heavy rain may cause stream and rivers to rise rapidly.
Waka Kotahi National Journey Manager Helen Harris says Waka Kotahi is monitoring the situation closely.
“The state highways are still open, however conditions are changing quickly so crews are on standby ready to implement any necessary road closures should the weather get too dangerous for motorists,” Ms Harris says.
“We’re already seeing surface flooding on the roads and expect that we may also see slips as the rain continues, so we’re urging everyone to please take extra care if driving and to avoid travel altogether, if possible.
“For motorists who do need to travel in these tricky conditions, please keep speeds down, maintain a safe following distance and stay alert. Expect the unexpected – potholes or debris may have appeared on the road beneath the surface flooding which may not be visible, so drive carefully.
“There’s a lot going on in the region at the moment, with some people having to be evacuated. Please avoid stopping or slowing down to observe these situations as this will just cause delays and congestion for people trying to get home safely.”
Waka Kotahi will advise of any road closures on our social media pages or the Journey Planner webpage. Motorists who do need to travel are advised to check these before heading out, as well as the MetService website for the weather forecast.
Journey Planner – Gisborne(external link)
Metservice – Gisborne(external link)
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