• Rain has been falling heavily particularly around Greymouth area and State Highway 67 – Westport and north to Granity and Ngakawau

• Slip at Omoto across one lane. Signs and speed restriction in place.

• Surface water and debris on SH 67 being monitored and dealt with as required

• Several small slips on Coast Road between Greymouth and Westport, SH6

• Quite major flooding events in Grey District Council area

• Rainfall overnight in Greymouth – about 145mm

• Grey river 3.5m at Dobson which is the first level alarm

• Waiho 6.4M

• Buller 3.5M. First alarm level 7.4M

West Coast pages on NZTA Traffic and Travel : http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/12

Road closure due to flooding: http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/197457

Westport SH67: http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/197434

Wet, slippery, roads can be unforgiving of even small mistakes, particularly on bends.

Key tip:

· Stopping distances nearly double on wet roads.

Therefore, drivers should:

· Slow down and keep a generous following distance between you and the car in front

· The two-second rule should be a four-second rule

· Be extra vigilant – take corners slowly

· Heed road signs warnings of flooding and remember that you will need more time to stop and avoid hazards in wet conditions

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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