State Highway 6 Rocks Rd in Nelson is now closed due to flooding.
Update 12 April 5 am:
State Highway 6 Rocks Rd reopened around 2:20 am following its earlier closure.
The route was closed for approximately five hours.
All highways across Nelson/Tasman and Marlborough are currently open and weather conditions are forecast to improve.
However, flooding and fallen trees are affecting SH6 Lower Buller Gorge to the intersection with SH65. Road users are urged to use caution on this route and drive to the conditions.
The heavy rain and wind means the risk of slips, rockfalls, and treefalls remains on roads across the region, and drivers must continue to drive with care.
Contractors are on call and monitoring the network. Drivers are encouraged to report any state highway issues or hazards to NZTA/Waka Kotahi on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
Update 11 April 9:30 pm:
State Highway 6 Rocks Rd in Nelson is now closed due to flooding.
Update 11 April 2:30 pm:
Heavy rain is affecting the top of the South Island, so the State highway networks across Nelson/Tasman and Marlborough are being monitored closely.
Contractors are monitoring highways and areas prone to flooding – crews will be on call overnight.
The most intense rainfall is anticipated in Golden Bay and Tākaka. Motorists using State Highway 60 and the Tākaka Hill should take this into account when planning their journeys.
With the high tide period coinciding with the bad weather, the status of State Highway 6 Rocks Road will be carefully monitored. It remains probable that the route will be closed tonight between 10 pm and 2 am.
NZTA/waka Kotahi urges drivers to take care on the roads and check the weather and road conditions before they travel. Bad weather can see roads and highways closed at short notice.
Road users should avoid driving through flooded areas. Floodwaters can hide road damage, and currents may be far stronger than they appear. Don’t put yourself and those who may have to rescue you at risk.
Update 10 April 2:45 pm:
Due to the weather and tidal conditions forecast for Nelson, it’s anticipated State Highway 6 Rocks Road in Nelson will need to be closed between 10 pm and 2 am tomorrow night (Thursday, 11 April).
Light vehicles will be able to use local road detours. Heavy vehicles will need to use Waimea Road.
Drivers travelling between Nelson and Stoke/Richmond must factor this into their travel plans.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi encourages all drivers to check road and weather conditions before they travel.
Update 11 April 11:30 am
With the Metservice updating its weather warnings for the Lower North and Upper South Islands, drivers must be prepared for potential for challenging driving conditions over the next few days.
A Heavy Rain Warning is now in place for Tasman northwest of Motueka, the Bryant Range near Nelson, and inland Marlborough west of Blenheim and north of the Awatere River. Significant rain is forecast from tomorrow afternoon (Thursday) through to early Friday morning.
A Strong Wind Watch has also been issued for Buller, Nelson/Tasman, Marlborough and Wellington. Northerly winds may approach severe gales in exposed places.
Truck and van drivers, motorcyclists, and towing vehicles must take care, particularly in areas where strong winds are known to affect traffic – such as State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and State Highway 1 Transmission Gully Wainui Saddle.
Where wet weather is forecast, drivers must drive to the conditions and be alert to the possibility of slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding. Check your speed, watch your following distances, use your headlights if visibility is poor, and allow extra time for your journeys.
Drivers are encouraged to check the weather and road conditions before they travel, as bad weather can see roads closed at short notice.
8:30am
Drivers in the top of the South Island need to keep a sharp eye on weather and road conditions with heavy rain forecast to hit the region on Thursday.
The bad weather affecting the West Coast is moving north, and the Metservice has issued Heavy Rain Watches for Tasman west of Motueka, the Bryant and Richmond ranges, and the Rai Valley.
Periods of heavy rain are forecast from 6 am tomorrow (Thursday) until 6 am Friday.
This weather will affect State Highway 6, State Highway 60, and State Highway 63. Drivers using these highways must be prepared for bad weather and ensure they drive to the conditions.
Heavy rain can cause localised flooding and increases the risks of slips and rockfalls. Road users must be prepared for such hazards and take extra care while driving.
Watch your speed and following distances and be aware that wet roads are slippery - avoid sudden braking. If visibility is poor, ensure your headlights are on so other drivers can see you.
In bad weather, roads and highways can be closed at short notice. Please check the weather and road conditions before you travel.
