People in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti-Gisborne are asked to take particular care on the roads in coming days, with a severe thunderstorm watch for this afternoon giving way to heavy rain watches from tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon through into Friday.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Central North Island Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations, Jaclyn Hankin, says people should take care and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, which can result in road closures. Driving conditions might also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
“People can mitigate reduced visibility by making sure they have a clean windscreen inside and out, using their headlights, wipers and demisters, reducing speed and maintaining a safe following distance.
“Expect the unexpected and remain alert. Check your intended route for hazards or disruptions before setting out using the Waka Kotahi interactive Journey Planner website and be prepared for unreported hazards, such as surface flooding, potholes, slips, downed trees, powerlines and fallen branches.”
Journey Planner(external link)
Wet roads can be slippery and motorists are advised to increase their following distances.
Ms Hankin says on a wet road, driving at the speed limit could be too fast for the conditions.
“You can lose control very easily in wet weather, especially if you have to brake suddenly, so slow down.”
The Waka Kotahi website has tips for driving in bad weather
For the latest Severe Weather Information, including Road Snowfall Warnings, visit the Warnings and watches page on the MetService website (external link)
