People are advised to avoid all non-essential travel today as rain hits the Marlborough region.

Marlborough Emergency Management is monitoring the situation on the region’s roads with several areas of concern.

Northbank Road is currently closed with an unstable slip site which is being monitored by geotechnical engineers. The site was closed from 6pm last night and will remain so until it is safe to reopen. Residents along Northbank Road in the Top Valley area should also be aware of the potential for slips and a rise in river levels.

Heavy rain is currently falling in Rai Valley. From Pelorus Bridge to Canvastown there is a risk of flooding possibly closing SH6. If issues arise in Pelorus, we may see the closure of Daltons Bridge and Te Hoiere Roads.

In Port Underwood, there are already multiple slips and rockfalls from Oyster Bay to Tumbledown Bay with further risk of slips for the Whatamango Bay area.

Queen Charlotte Drive also has a risk of slips and localised flooding with Moenui in particular being monitored.

Kenepuru Road remains open at present but four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended and trucks can travel by permit only.

In Wairau Valley there is pressure on the temporary road structure at Anderson Floodway and Centre Valley Bridge which could result in possible closures. Crew are monitoring the situation.

All fords in the region should be approached with caution and are at risk of flooding.

In the Awatere Valley access to Molesworth Station is limited to four wheel drive essential travel only.

Further updates will be provided as information comes to hand.

For preparedness advice go to: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/floods If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.

For more information on floodwater and contamination go to: Floods and health

To keep up to date with the latest information and alerts sign up to Antenno. All you need to do is install the app and save the specific addresses of places you care about such as your home, work, rental property or school. Antenno will notify you when something relevant to your chosen place(s) arises. Go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/apps/antenno

Keep an eye on MetService for watch and warning updates at www.metservice.com/warnings/home

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