Access to and from Arnott Heights in Greymouth was opened for a limited time today, after a large slip continued to move and cause issues.
Earlier this week, wet weather led to an "active" slip block access to more than 50 homes in Arnott Heights.
At the time, Mayor Tania Gibson said no homes were at risk and Grey District Council confirmed there were no reports of personal injury as it asked the public to avoid the area.
In an update today, Grey District Council said traffic would be allowed to leave after it was previously closed.
This would involve one vehicle leaving at a time, and returning in the same fashion.
"It is imperative all instructions given by staff on site are adhered to. We appreciate this is a stressful time but safety is and remains our top priority. This is a dynamic situation," GDC told 1News.
"The slip site is still moving and remains a safety risk. Our geotechnical engineers have assessed the hillside and there is a large chunk that could come down at any time.
"With this in mind, we're encouraging residents to consider whether they remain in place, with the possibility of being cut off with limited access for the next few days, or relocate to family and friends.
"Council and services have assured access to power and water, however we cannot guarantee ongoing vehicle or pedestrian access, even for short periods, until the slip is stabilised."
The council said contractors will continue to remain on site, and it will provide further updates through both Facebook and via notices at the marquee.
"We will continue to prioritise access for emergency situations. It is essential that residents who choose to stay home are self-sufficient and independent for the next few days."
Road likely to remain closed to all traffic tomorrow
With further rain is expected on Thursday, GDC said it wouldn't know the full impact of this on the slip and the site until it arrived.
"The road will likely remain closed to all traffic all day tomorrow, other than in emergency situations. It will remain closed overnight."
Westpower's website reported an unplanned outage impacting residents in Arnott Heights East, Arnott Heights and Stirling Drive.
Power teams installing generators
Grey District Council said Westpower teams were on site installing generators to provide power to residents.
"Teams on site are planning to install more concrete blocks this morning to shore up the hillside to provide safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians, but we don't have a timeline for this yet," it also said.
Residents were being assisted up and down the hill as required.
"We'd like to thank the residents for their patience and again give a big shout out to all the teams doing the hard mahi."
The council said the situation remained "fluid" with more rain in the forecast for the coming days, however it is currently not under a MetService severe weather watch or warning.
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