8:40 pm

Heavy rainfall and strong winds have closed State Highway 43 Forgotten World Highway between Stratford and Taumarunui.

Crews are onsite and working to clear fallen trees from the road as safely and efficiently as possible. 

Road users are advised to avoid the area and delay their journey accordingly.

More rain is forecast for tomorrow across parts of the region. Slips and other hazards can occur with no notice, so please drive to the conditions. 

Metservice warnings remain in place for northern Taranaki and southern Waikato, in particular on SH3 around the Awakino area.

Torrential rain is hitting parts of the region – please adjust your speed accordingly and your following distances behind other vehicles.

7.30 am

As you’re heading back from Labour weekend holidays today, please be extra careful travelling through northern Taranaki.

A Metservice heavy rain warning is in place for the area from 5pm this evening through to 5am tomorrow (Tuesday morning).

There’s also a chance the warning will be extended later into the morning.

Between 60 and 90 millimetres of rain is forecast, with the potential for up to 130 millimetres of rainfall.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi System Manager for Taranaki and Manawatū/Whanganui, Liesl Dawson says the road is open but people need to be prepared for extensive delays.

“SH3 near Awakino and SH4 near Taumarunui have seen a lot of rainfall over the past fortnight. We’re dealing with higher than usual river levels and sodden land in the area.

“This means we could see more flooding and more slips, occurring much more quickly than anticipated. Please take extra care; and consider moving your trip forward to avoid the forecast rain. If you are travelling on these roads, please also expect significant delays as many areas remain under stop/go traffic management as crews continue the cleanup from the past fortnight.

“Drive to the conditions and be alert to the possibility of more flooding, slips, debris, tree branches on the road.

“It’ll also be important to keep up to date with NZTA’s Journey Planner as short notice closures may be a possibility.