Multiple slips have been reported on state highways in Nelson-Taman as heavy rain invades the country.
On Tuesday morning, a police spokesperson said three slips had been reported in the region.
Two were on State Highway 60 – the Coastal Highway. The first had been cleared, but a contractor had been dispatched to clear a second road between Gardeners Valley Rd and Stagecoach Rd, where there were rocks in the road.
Another slip had also been reported in Hira at the start of the Whangamoa saddle on SH6 and contractors had been dispatched to clean it up, she said.
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The spokesperson called on people to drive to the conditions.
“Allow a little extra travel and if conditions are particularly bad, postpone travel.”
FRY FASTER / STUFF
Surface flooding in Victory Square after heavy rain on Monday night Nelson.
The briefs come as a storm brings heavy rain and wind to most of the country†
MetService has Strong rain warning for Tasman on Tuesdaywith an expected 110 to 150 mm west of Motueka and 80 to 100 mm elsewhere.
WithService/delivered
Heavy rain and watch warnings are in effect for many regions, with an emphasis on those in the north and east.
“Heavy rain can cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions can be dangerous,” the website warns.
Preliminary rain data on the Tasman District Council website showed that 108.8mm was recorded for Anatoki in Paradise in the 12 noon to 8 a.m. Tuesday, with 94.8mm for Waingaro at Little Devil, 74.8mm for Riwaka at Tākaka Hill, 41.5mm for Motueka in Woodstock, 16.5mm for Richmond at City Hall and 28.7mm for Nelson at Founders Heritage Park.
Meanwhile, MetService also has a strong wind warning paced for Tasman west of Motueka, with east to southeast winds expected to ramp up to storms with gusts of up to 120 to 130 kph in exposed areas.
“Strong gusts of wind can damage trees, power lines and unsecured structures. Driving can be dangerous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles,” the website said.