A large tree has fallen down across State Highway 51 at Whakatu, blocking both lanes and closing the road.

The road is closed between Railway Road and Station Road and a detour is in place.

The detour is suitable for all vehicles.

Please adhere to the traffic management in place and follow onsite directions for the detour.

Drive to the conditions and with care.

Power lines have also come down and crews will be working this evening to clear the road and restore the powerlines.

SH2 Wairoa to Gisborne 

A reminder that from 8pm State Highway 2 will be closing between Wairoa and Gisborne at 8pm, ahead of more heavy rain and strong winds overnight.

At this stage, it will be closed til 7am tomorrow.

Parts of the road are already in a fragile state following heavy and persistent rain two weeks ago and prone to further flooding and slips.