16 minutes ago

State Highway 6 closes as heavy rain arrives around country

16 minutes ago
Flooding closed State Highway 6 on the South Island's West Coast on November 16, 2024.

Flooding has closed State Highway 6 on the South Island's West Coast. Photo: NZTA

Flooding has closed State Highway 6 on the South Island's West Coast as rain looms around the country.

Waka Kotahi is advising all drivers to avoid the area, between Barrytown and Punakaiki, or delay their journey if possible.

On the West Coast, Grey District Council have warned that access to Moana Road via Stillwater is closed due to flooding, as is the Rutherglen underpass, with Kaiata to Stillwater now open after an earlier closure.

Crews are also monitoring Arnold Valley Road, Inchbonnie, Paroa and other "known trouble spots".

People are being asked to take extra care on the roads this morning, and avoid driving through floodwaters whenever possible.

Planned work on Milton Road up Arnott Heights has also been postponed until Tuesday as crews deal with the aftermath of the heavy downpour overnight.

Meanwhile, there are heavy rain watches in place for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty, with possible thunderstorms forecast Monday.

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