UPDATE  7:05 pm:

The Ruamahanga River levels have fallen and State Highway 53 is now OPEN to all traffic at the Waihenga River Bridge near Martinborough.

UPDATE 1 pm:

Rising  water levels in the Ruamahanga River have CLOSED the Waihenga River Bridge on State Highway 53 near Martinborough. 

For safety reasons, the bridge cannot be used by traffic until water levels fall, and the bridge can be reopened.

Local road detours are available but require extra travel time of 40 to 50 minutes.

Drivers must be prepared for delay when travelling to and from Martinborough while this closure remains in place.

Detour routes:

• Featherston to Martinborough:
• From SH2, use Western Lake Rd, East-West Access Rd, Kahutara Road, and Lake Ferry Rd.
• From SH53, use Kahutara Rd and Lake Ferry Rd
• Carterton to Martinborough:
• Use Moreton Rd, Kokotau Rd, and Ponatahi Rd.
• Clareville to Martinborough:
• Use Francis Line, Gladstone Rd, Longbush Rd, Hinakura Rd, and Todds Rd

UPDATE 10:40 am:

State Highway 53 has reopened following a downed power lines incident near Featherston earlier this morning.

The highway was closed for around one hour while lines company staff cleared the scene.

Bad weather continues to affect the lower North Island with strong winds affecting key routes, such as State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill. Metservice data shows wind gusts of over 120 km/h have been recorded near the summit

Rising water levels in the Ruamahanga River continue to be monitored. However, the Waihenga River Bridge on State Highway 53 near Martinborough is currently open.

Road users are encouraged to drive to the conditions and check road and weather conditions before they travel.

9:50 am:

State Highway 53 is currently closed  near Featherston after bad weather downed power lines near the highway this morning.

The road is closed between Murphys line and Camp Road. Local road detours are available, and drivers can expect delays in the area until this incident is resolved

Lines company staff are at the scene, and the highway will be reopened when it is safe to do so.

Meanwhile, the bad weather and heavy rain is also creating rising water levels in the Ruamahanga River. There is a potential for the Waihenga River Bridge on State Highway 53 near Martinborough to close.

The Metservice  has a Strong Wind Watch in place for the  lower North Island until 3 pm this afternoon.