State Highway 56 at Opiki near Palmerston North has now closed, as floodwaters continue to rise.

Heavy and persistent rainfall through Manawatū today has cause flooding in a number of places.

While other state highways are currently open, please drive with extra care, to the conditions and make sure to check Journey Planner or Facebook before you go for the latest state highway conditions. 

• Journey Planner(external link)
• Facebook - NZTA Hawke's Bay/Gisborne(external link)

If you do need to travel today, remember to switch on your headlights on, increase your following distance and be prepared for unexpected hazards in these conditions.

Please also be aware of the possibility of short notice road closures as we continue to monitor the warnings in place, the rainfall levels and any possible slips or damage.

Crews are currently monitoring the region’s state highways and are on standby ready to respond to issues around the region.