30 July 2014

Motorists urged to take extreme care with severe weather warning

The NZ Transport Agency is urging motorists travelling on Canterbury’s alpine passes and throughout the West Coast to take extreme care during the next 24 hours with a strong wind and heavy rain warning in place.

A strong wind warning has already been issued for State Highway 73, Springfield to Arthur’s Pass, and with up to 120mm of rain forecast to fall near the Southern Alps and east of the divide, treacherous conditions could prevail, says the Transport Agency’s Journey Manager Lee Wright.

“The forecast for later today is for up to 15mm of rain to fall an hour, with possible thunderstorms, and winds gusting up to 150km/h. This will make driving conditions hazardous and motorists are being urged to slow down and drive to the conditions.”

The wind and rain are expected to ease later today, however strong winds are forecast to return on Friday and Saturday.

“Motorists should check conditions before travelling and avoid all unnecessary travel if conditions could make travel hazardous.”

Meanwhile, State Highway 6 remains single lane at Twelve Mile, about 20km north of Greymouth, after a debris fell onto the highway early yesterday morning. The debris have been cleared but the highway remains single lane while a geotechnical inspection of the slope is completed during the next couple of days.

For the latest on road information freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or visit the Transport Agency’s website www.highwayinfo.govt.nz

For more information visit www.nzta.govt.nz

ENDS

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