The MetService has issued a Red Warning for Westland and Buller – it means the West Coast and upper South Island could see rainfall similar to that in the weather events of February this year and July 2021.
With more rain forecast for the top of the South Island this week, Waka Kotahi is urging road users to be alert and be prepared in case road closures occur.
Highways South, the highway maintenance contractor for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency in Southland, is reminding farmers to keep their livestock secure on the two-year anniversary of a traumatic crash with a cow which almost cost a local man his life.
Road crews have managed to clear treefalls, slips, and debris that had forced the closure of this road overnight and today. This involved significant effort as not only did fallen trees have to be removed but so too did those at risk of falling onto the road.
The route between Blenheim and Nelson remains closed today. Contractors are working to clear slips and tree falls on Whangamoa Hill. Atrocious weather conditions meant it was unsafe to do this work overnight.
Bad weather has brought down trees and caused rockfalls on the Whangamoa Hill. It means State Highway 6 will be closed between Rai Valley and Hira overnight.
Luggate’s Red Bridge, on SH8A near Wanaka, will be closed Monday and Tuesday, 15 and 16 August, for scaffolding to come down now that bridge repairs are completed, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
South Island drivers need to check the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency traffic map before heading through alpine areas and inland Dunedin/ Otago this week.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency crews are continuing work to make it safer for people wanting to cross SH88 from the Dunedin to Port Chalmers shared walking/cycling path to Burkes.