After a wild day of fierce winds, fallen trees and powerlines, and flooding, roading teams are continuing the clean-up and monitoring several state highways across the central and lower South Island which will remain closed overnight.

A number of closures were put in place where the winds were putting road users at risk and creating obstructions on the highways. While the winds are now easing in places, people are still being urged to avoid unnecessary travel tonight or to take extra care given that hazards may still exist on the roads.

In Canterbury/West Coast, the stretches of state highways that are still closed, and are expected to remain closed overnight, are:

• State Highway 73 between Springfield and Otira (Kumara to Otira reopened recently).
• State Highway 7 between Waipara and Springs Junction.
• State Highway 7A, from the Hanmer Springs turnoff.
• State Highway 6 between Haast and Makarora (Haast Pass).
• State Highway 6 between Murchison and Wai-iti.

People are asked to avoid the closed highways above. Further updates on the status of these roads are expected tomorrow.

State Highway 1 through Canterbury remains open, and State Highway 80 between Aoraki-Mount Cook and State Highway 8 has just reopened, but surface flooding and strong wind warnings will remain in place overnight on SH80.

In Otago/Southland, State Highway 1 between Gore and McNab will remain closed overnight. State Highway 6/North Road in Invercargill, between Bainfield Road and Renfrew Street, is also closed, with an update expected tomorrow.

Also still closed are State Highway 8 between Lawrence and Waitahuna, and State Highway 6 between Lake Hawea and Maungawera.

State Highway 96 between Mataura and Hedgehope is currently still closed, but it is expected that it will reopen later tonight.

State Highway 1/Bluff Highway near Omaui Road is open under stop/go traffic management.

We appreciate the closures today have been challenging for some, but we thank people for being patient and respectful towards our roading teams as we ensure road users are kept safe.

Further updates will follow tomorrow, and you can also stay up to date on our Journey Planner site and NZTA social media channels.

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