Surface flooding has closed a number of roads on the North Island's East Coast as heavy rain lashed the region overnight, while two homes in Wairoa have been evacuated.
In Wairoa, which is currently under an orange heavy rain warning, State Highway 2 northbound from Whirinaki to Gisborne is closed but is expected to reopen later this mroning.
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence is asking locals to “take care” after reports that “trees and flood debris are causing issues on our roads”.
“If you are concerned about any surface ponding in your area, please contact your local Council,” they said.
On Facebook, Waka Kotahi NZTA said SH2 Whirinaki to Wairoa, SH2 Wairoa to Gisborne are closed. SH38 Wairoa to Waikaremoana is open again.
“Please keep avoiding these areas or delay your journey if possible,” it said.
It comes as some infrastructure is still waiting for repairs since Cyclone Gabrielle. (Source: 1News)
“There may be areas which are down to one lane and there may still be debris on the road, so please take care, drive to the conditions and adhere to the lower speed limits and traffic management in place," Waka Kotahi system manager for Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti Martin Colditz said.
“More heavy rain is expected further north today and I want to remind everyone using the network throughout the region, including SH35 to take care and delay your journey if possible.”
Wairoa mayor Craig Little told Breakfast the region is seeing a lot of surface flooding, with two homes needing to be evacuated.
"Talk to your neighbours and keep in touch with as many people as you can," he said.
"Hopefully, we're past the worst, but it's been a bit of rain anxiety for many that have suffered so much in the past wee while.
"This doesn't help at all."
Wairoa, as with much of the East Coast, was badly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle earlier in the year.
Craig Little is asking people to keep in touch with each other as much as possible. (Source: Breakfast)
The Wairoa District Council said an evacuation centre is open at the Wairoa War Memorial Hall and at Tanenuiarangi Marae in Nuhaka.
"If you don't feel safe please call 111."
Gisborne south of Tokomaru Bay and Hawke's Bay between the Wairoa District and Napier are also under heavy rain watches.
NIWA said 100mm to 150mm of rain has fallen in the past 12-24 hours in parts of Hawke's Bay.
"While steady rain will end this morning, river flows are forecast to remain well above normal to extremely high much of the day."
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