Motorists are being urged to drive with caution across parts of the North Island today as heavy rain causes widespread flooding, slips, and road closures.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said sections of State Highway 3, State Highway 4, State Highway 30, State Highway 31, and State Highway 43 had been closed by slips and surface flooding.
A section of State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge was blocked by multiple slips and flooding, leaving parts of the road impassable and some vehicles stranded.
Police said some truck drivers had opted to remain with their vehicles, which could not be turned around.
"Motorists are urged not to travel through the Gorge area until the slips can be cleared,” a police spokesperson said.
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SH4 was closed between Eight Mile Junction and Taumarunui. SH30 was also closed between Kopaki Rd and Benneydale village, with a narrow and winding detour via Mangaokewa Rd. SH31 was closed between Ngutuni Rd and Okupata Rd, with a detour in place that was unsuitable for heavy vehicles.
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SH43 Forgotten World Highway was closed from Whangamōmona to Taumarunui. Access remained open from Stratford to Whangamōmona.
NZTA urged drivers to reduce speed, increase following distances, avoid sudden braking, and use headlights in poor visibility.
"At this time, it is unknown how long the closures will be in place. Crews are onsite at both state highways managing traffic approaching the flooding/slip sites," an NZTA spokesperson said.
An orange heavy rain warning remained in place for the region until 12pm, with MetService forecasting up to 60mm of rain before midday in areas including Waitomo and the Waikato south of Raglan and Cambridge.
Warnings were also active for the eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty until 5pm, with a heavy rain watch in place for Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, and Waikato about and north of Raglan to Cambridge (until 2pm), and Taumarunui and Taupō (until 11am).
Slips, flooding across Ruapehu District
Ruapehu District Council activated its emergency operations centre yesterday at 4pm as a precaution as heavy rain moved through the region.
It said multiple slips and flooding had been reported on access roads to Ōhura, located west of Taumarunui.
"Civil Defence is keeping a watch on the Ōhura River which is nearing breach level at the railway bridge in the township."
The Taumarunui River walkway has closed due to the Whanganui River breaching its bank near the Victory Bridge, with potential for breaches in other low-lying areas.
"Please exercise caution," the council said, adding there was no immediate threat to life or property at this stage.
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