Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
With weather warnings for the top of the South Island escalated, local drivers are being urged to keep a close eye on road and weather conditions.
The Metservice has issued a Red Heavy Rain Warning for Tasman district about and southeast of Motueka and north of Lake Rotoroa.
Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are also in force for Tasman District northwest of Motueka, Nelson, and Marlborough northwest of the Awatere Valley.
This weather will affect:
- State Highway 60 – Richmond to Collingwood
- State Highway 6 – Nelson to Murchison
- State Highway 6 – Nelson to Blenheim
- State Highway 1 – Picton to Seddon
- State Highway 63 – Renwick to Kawatiri Junction
Emma Speight, Director Regional Relationships says Red Warnings must be taken seriously.
“There is no room for complacency. Keep an eye on the weather and avoid unnecessary travel. If you’re in a safe place, stay there and don’t put yourself at risk by driving on flooded roads.”
“It’s also about reducing danger to others too. Respect and obey any road closures that are in place. They are there to keep people safe. Ignoring them not only risks your own safety, but also that of anyone who may be called on to help rescue you,” Ms Speight says.
She also asks people to avoid driving through floodwaters.
“Flood waters can obscure hidden dangers. You just don’t know what is below the surface.”
“Also, driving through flooded areas creates bow waves that can cause more damage to homes and properties. Please, don’t do this,” Ms Speight says.
Contractors are on call and ready to respond to events as they arise and will do their best to keep state highways open.
However, Ms Speight says safety is the priority.
“We are keeping a close eye on areas that suffered damage over the past two weeks – SH6 Kohatu to Kawatiri, SH63 Renwick to Saint Arnaud, and SH6 Rocks Road.”
“If public safety is at risk, roads will be closed. This is why it is critical people keep a close eye on road and weather conditions, and Civil Defence updates. Make sure you know what is happening and how it may affect you,” Ms Speight says.
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