Rain causes surface flooding on the West Coast, one highway closed in Otago due to a slip

Road crews are monitoring conditions along the West Coast and the top of the South Island today, with some heavy but not unusual amounts of rain overnight on the West Coast.

Update

SH6 has reopened on the Otago side.

There are minor slips being cleared and some surface flooding, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Tresca Forrester. 

“Driving slower than the posted speed limit is advised, with your headlights on. 

“It takes longer to stop on slippery roads. Double the two-second rule to ensure a safe distance between you and the car in front,” she says. “If you don’t need to go out in hard rain conditions, stay put.” 

• On the Otago side of SH6 a slip has closed the highway between Lake Hawea and Makarora. Updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/348797(external link)
• Check highways are open or any warnings/advice here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link) 

West Coast rainfall levels for the past 24 hours to 9 am today:

River Levels

• Buller River at Te Kuha  9.2 M – road being monitored at Inangahua, a low point prone to flooding
• Grey River at Dobson 3.6 M
• Waiho/ Waiau South Westland   6.6 M 

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link)
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAsouthisland(external link)
• Twitter Top of the South: twitter.com/WakaKotahiTotS(external link)
• Twitter Canterbury/West Coast: twitter.com/WakaKotahiCWC(external link)
• Twitter Otago/Southland: twitter.com/WakaKotahiOS(external link)
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)