Tasman District Police has advised motorists to limit their travel to essential travel only, as the current severe weather event has closed several roads in the region with more closures likely.

An update has been made to the closure on SH6 which is now closed between Hira and Havelock – the road remains open between Nelson and Hira and between Havelock and Renwick.

The detour via SH63 remains the same.

Tasman District Police are advising motorists to limit their travel to essential travel only, as the current severe weather event has closed several roads in the region with more closures likely.

ROADS CLOSED

• UPDATE: SH6 Hira to Havelock – Flooding

• SH6 Nelson between Russell St and Bisley Ave – Flooding

• SH60 Takaka between Haldane Rd and Pupu Valley Rd – Flooding

• SH63 Renwick between Anglesea St and Alma St – Flooding

OPEN CAUTION

• SH60 Riwaka to Motueka – Flooding

• SH60 Upper Takaka to Takaka – Flooding

• SH60 Takaka, from Pupu Valley Rd to Collingwood – Flooding

OPEN

• All other State Highways remain open

A state of local emergency has been declared in Nelson and Tasman

The Maitai river in Nelson East has breached its banks.

Civil Defence said “If you live near the river from the Nile St Bridge to the Golf Course, please EVACUATE.”

People in Teal Valley Wakapouaka, may also need to evacuate. Stay with friends and family if you are able.

If you have no safe place to go, head to the Saxton Stadium. Take pets, essential medications and warm clothing.

Avoid bridges and rivers.

“We are going door to door along the Maitai to evacuate affected people but if this is you, do not wait.

If you are in danger and cannot evacuate safely, call 111.”

Buller region

Residents have been told to self-evacuate in the Orowaiti Overflow area (Snodgrass), as well as Forbes and Coates Sts and the Gladstone St area.

Local welfare arrangements have been activated in Seddonville and Mokihinui due to the risk of river flows similar to or higher than those in February 2022.

“The latest advice is that the event won’t be as intense as first thought, but the Orowaiti Overflow area, Forbes and Coates Sts and the Gladstone St area are still considered vulnerable.

The Buller River is likely to peak in Westport tomorrow morning. As well, the tide will be slightly higher than it was in February. The combination of rainfall, river flows, tide and sea swell increase risk of surface flooding in areas that were affected at that time.”

Teams of Police, Defence Force, Fire Brigade and LandSAR volunteers have been going door-to-door this afternoon to make sure residents have received the message and to give them reassurance.

If you need help to evacuate or lift valuables, call 0800 234 533.

Welfare teams are setting up evacuation centres for those who are not able to arrange their own accommodation.

Local arrangements are in place for Seddonville and Mokihinui residents who were affected by the February flood.

Landowners with stock in low-lying areas that were flooded in February should shift livestock to high ground.

Grey District

Arnold Valley Road closure will now take place from 5:00pm tonight.

Surface flooding directly outside the Kokiri Meat Works on Arnold Valley Road is continuing to increase.

Council has decided to close the road overnight until further notice.