Upper South Island, Kaikoura weather warnings: check before you head off

The NZ Transport Agency advises travellers in Marlborough and Nelson, along the Kaikoura Coast and North Canterbury to be aware that severe weather is forecast for later today andFriday.

As part of their severe weather warnings, the MetService is warning of heavy rain and strong southerly winds overnight Thursday, with the highest rainfall in the South Island expected to be along the Seaward Kaikoura Range, Hapuku to Clarence, and also along the Inland Road (Route 70) via Waiau and Mt Lyford.

“These forecast rainfall totals of more than 100mm over 24 hours could have a significant impact on State Highway 1 through Kaikoura and the Inland Road via Waiau,” says Transport Agency Journey Manager Tresca Forrester.
The very wet weather coincides with many people travelling between Christchurch and Picton including holiday-makers and people heading home for work next week. “People should check road conditions before they set off,” she says.

“Following an extensive post-earthquake construction programme, State Highway1 through Kaikoura reopened mid-December. This has given people two upper South Island highway options for daytime travel, with the alternate route (via State Highways 63, 6, 65 and 7 through Lewis Pass) open 24/7. During this weather event, road users should definitely consider the use of the Lewis Pass route and remember to factor in extra time.”

Ms Forrester says that drivers need to be aware that parts of SH1 both north and south of Kaikoura are still construction sites with two sections currently closed each night from 8.30pm-7am as a safety precaution. The Inland Road (Route 70 via Waiau) is open 24/7 but drivers should be aware it also had earthquake damage and has ongoing construction work sites.

“Travellers need to be aware that two areas of the SH1 route, both north and south of Kaikoura, are vulnerable to severe weather which could cause additional delays, or even a temporary road closure* if there are safety or slip concerns. Transport Agency contractors continue to monitor road and weather conditions so they can quickly respond to any surface flooding, slips and rock falls for everyone’s safety.
“Irrespective of weather forecasts, weather and road conditions can change rapidly.

Anyone planning a journey between Christchurch and Picton should always checkwww.nzta.govt.nz/p2c , or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) before travelling to check which route is available and is most suitable for their trip.”

The Transport Agency recommends drivers check information at least two hours before travel and at key decision points along the route including checking the electronic signs with real-time information at key locations including Picton, Blenheim and Waipara.

“Anyone planning travel in this area Friday and Saturday should allow extra time for their journey and be prepared for challenging driving conditions, including debris on the road, and possible detours and road closures.”

*If SH1 is delayed from opening through Kaikoura at the usual time of 7.00 am Friday (5 January) the links below will be updated by 6.30 am on Friday.

How to stay up to date:
• The key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions nationwide is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic and for Kaikoura, ie the Picton to Christchurch routes www.nzta.govt.nz/p2c
• Important information is also shared via the Transport Agency’s official Twitter and Facebook accounts listed here https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/
• Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can provide them with traffic and travel information either before they’re travelling or when they’re on the road.
• MetService severe weather warnings here. http://www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-warnings
• MetService three day rainfall map here http://www.metservice.com/maps-radar/rain-forecast/rain-forecast-3-day

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