State Highway 77/Bangor Road at Darfield, in central Canterbury, is blocked this morning as trees at risk of falling onto the road in high winds are cut down.

Traffic is being diverted in both directions as contractors address the risk of falling trees, near the intersection with Piako Drive. A detour is available via Clintons Road and Mclaughlins Road.

Stay up to date at our Journey Planner site.

26 November – Severe gale and heavy rain risk for travel

Road users are being urged to keep an eye on state highway conditions, and to travel with care, as a double whammy of severe gales and heavy rain is expected to hit the South Island.

MetService has an orange* strong wind warning in place from 6am tomorrow for the Canterbury high country and Canterbury Plains near the foothills (*orange signifying that people need to be prepared and take action as appropriate, because there may be disruption to their day and potential risk to people, animals and property).

The severe gale northwesterlies are expected to gust up to 120 km/h in exposed places. Driving may be difficult – especially for high-sided vehicles, towing vehicles and motorcycles – and there may be a risk of fallen trees or powerlines.

An orange heavy rain warning is in place from 4am tomorrow for the Canterbury headwaters south of Arthur’s Pass (with thunderstorms possible), and the same warning is in place for Westland from 3am, with a risk of surface flooding and slips.

Lesser heavy rain watches are in place for the Grey District (from 7am tomorrow), and the Otago headwaters and Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound (from the early hours tomorrow).

Heavy rain means slippery roads and drivers should think about adjusting their speed and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking, and staying visible.

A strong wind watch is in place for the early hours in Fiordland tomorrow, with northerly winds approaching severe gale in exposed places, especially about the coast.

Stay up to date on state highway conditions and restrictions at our Journey Planner site.

MetService’s map below of warnings and watches in the South Island

Plan for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook Canterbury & West Coast: facebook.com/nztacwc/
• X NZTA: x.com/nztamain
• X Canterbury & West Coast: x.com/nztacwc
• Instagram: instagram.com/nztransportagency
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@nztransportagency
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

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