Drivers travelling in the top of the South Island and lower North Island are urged to be ready for bad weather on the roads 

For the top of the South, the Metservice has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for Tasman northwest of Motueka, and a Strong Wind Watch for Marlborough. Both apply from midnight tonight (Sunday) until noon tomorrow (Monday).
This weather will affect State Highway 60 in Tākaka/Golden Bay, State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim, State Highway 63 Wairau Valley/St Arnaud, and State Highway 1 Picton to Kaikōura. 

In the lower North Island, a Strong Wind Watch has been issued for Wellington, and a Heavy Rain Watch applies to the Tararua Ranges for tomorrow (Monday). The Metservice warns that winds may approach severe gales at times. 

People travelling elsewhere in the South Island also need to be aware that weather alerts are also in place for the West Coast and the Canterbury High Country. Drivers should  check road and weather conditions before they travel.

Drivers must be prepared for bad weather driving and take extra care on the roads.

Road users must drive to the conditions and be prepared for hazards like slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding.

The forecast strong winds also pose hazards to drivers of  high-sided vehicles (truck and vans), as well as motorcyclists and towing vehicles. Caution is required, particularly on exposed routes like State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully. Road users should also be alert to the chance of windblown debris, fallen trees, and downed power lines.

Because wet weather makes roads slippery, drivers should reduce their speed, increase following distances, avoid sudden braking, and take extra care when overtaking. They should also use headlights if visibility is poor to ensure they can be seen on the roads.

© Scoop Media