The NZ Transport Agency is strongly advising road users crossing the South Island’s alpine passes, especially SH73 and travelling the Coastal SH6 on the West Coast today of essential travel only. The weather has deteriorated this morning, and will continue to intensify over the next couple of hours into this evening.

“The safety of road users is our top priority,” says Lee Wright, NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager.

The South Island storm is a significant weather event and the combination of rain, wind and storm surge is causing streams and rivers to rise, flooding, slips and coastal inundation, resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

Several roads are currently closed and strong wind warnings are in place across many parts of the South Island. With SH6 on the West Coast closed in three places, and with the high tide expected at 12pm, the Transport Agency is strongly advising against all but essential travel on the West Coast.

SH6 Rocks Road in Nelson is also closed to all vehicles.

Please keep up-to-date with the weather forecast before you travel, at http://www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-warnings and plan ahead to avoid delays by checking the NZ Transport Agency Journey website www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz or calling 0800 44 44 49 for 24/7 road condition information on closures or delays.

Tasman/Marlborough

• SH 60 Takaka Hill – Strong Winds – Extra care is required for high sided vehicles & motorcyclists.

• Rock Roads SH6 – ROAD CLOSED

West Coast

• General Area Warning - West Coast area: Strong winds and trees falling around the area.
• SH 73 Arthurs Pass to Kumara - – Strong winds – Care is needed by motorcyclists. Campervans and high sided vehicles.
• SH 6 Westport to Greymouth (Westport to Rapahoe) – ROAD CLOSED – Due to the strong winds the road has been closed.
• SH 6 Inanagahua Jnc to Westport – ROAD CLOSED – Due to the strong winds the road has been closed.
• SH6 Hokitika to Makarora – ROAD CLOSED - Due to the strong winds the road has been closed.
• SH 6 Ross to Haast – Strong winds – Care is needed by motorcyclists. Campervans and high sided vehicles.
• SH 6 Hokitika to Ross – Road open – The road is now fully open

Ways to find out what is happening on the highway network:

• Holiday Hotspots here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-and-travel-information/holiday-hotspots/
• Facebook NZ Transport Agency South Island
• See the NZ Transport Agency's travel and traffic page here.
• Call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS 0800 44 44 49
• https://twitter.com/NZTACWC (Canterbury/ West Coast)
• https://twitter.com/NZTAOS (Otago Southland twitter page)

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