Update - 31 May:

With heavy rain forecast for the region from today through until Tuesday morning (2 June), people travelling in the top of the South Island are warned to be ready for potential highway closures as well as hazardous driving conditions.

The MetService has issued Orange Level Heavy Rain Warnings for Tasman west of Motueka, the Richmond and Bryant Ranges, the Rai Valley, and also Buller and Westland.

Yellow Level Heavy Rain Watches apply to Tasman, and the Marlborough Ranges between the Wairau and Awatere Rivers. 

This weather will affect:

• SH60 – Richmond to Collingwood
• SH6 – Hira to Havelock
• SH6 – Nelson to Murchison
• SH65 – O’Sullivans Bridge to Lewis Springs
• SH63 – Wairau Valley
• SH1 – Blenheim to Seddon

Drivers travelling in these areas are urged to stay up to date on road and weather conditions as bad weather increases the risks of flooding, slips, as well as rock and tree falls.

This may see roads closed at short notice, and may affect people’s affect King’s Birthday weekend travel plans. 

Road closures

It is essential that drivers respect and observe all official road closures. Road closures are not done lightly, and they are put in place to keep the public safe.

Ignoring a closure not only puts your safety, and those of your passengers, at risk – but also endangers emergency service staff who may have to rescue you.

Flooding and floodwater

Never drive through flooded areas or on flooded roads. Floodwater can obscure hidden hazards – e.g., washouts and debris – and water currents can be deceptively strong and dangerous.

Driving through floodwaters also increases the potential for damage to nearby properties and homes. Do not take unnecessary risks. Use an alternative route or delay your journey if flooding is present.

29 May:

Drivers travelling on state highways in the top of the South this weekend need to be ready for bad weather as well as holiday traffic.

The Metservice has Orange Heavy Rain Warnings in place for Tasman west of Motueka, the Richmond and Bryant Ranges, and the Rai Valley from Sunday morning (31 May) until early next Tuesday (2 June). Up to 450 mm of rain is forecast in some areas.

The bad weather will coincide with the end of the holiday weekend and expected increased traffic volumes.

It means drivers will need to take extra care on the roads, particularly on the highways that are set to be most affected by the bad weather:

• SH60 – Motueka to Collingwood
• SH6 – Hira to Havelock
• SH63 – Wairau Valley

Wet weather driving conditions will be present. Road users must drive appropriately - reduce their speed, increase their following distances, and be prepared for the possibility of slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding.

As well as being alert to the weather, drivers should also be prepared for holiday traffic. This means overtaking safely, not speeding, never driving while tired, avoiding driver distraction (ie cell phones/devices), and ensuring everyone is wearing a seatbelt. These simple steps help keep everyone safe.

People travelling in the region, and heading elsewhere, are encouraged to stay up to date on road and weather conditions.

Road conditions can change without warning, and routes can be closed at short notice due to slips and flooding.