Fire and Emergency New Zealand is currently responding to a large number of flooding incidents in central Nelson caused by heavy rainfall.

Southern Communications Centre shift manager Lyn Crossan says there have been more than 20 incidents reported since 10.15am this morning, most of them in the area between Washington Street in the north, and Bishopdale in the south.

"We are prioritising the most urgent incidents first, where there is danger to people’s safety," she says.

"However, the majority of incidents relate to floodwaters entering property.

"We are strongly advising people to avoid travelling to or through that area this morning."

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