Roads still closed, thunderstorms possible for South Island

The Motueka Valley Highway was closed after flooding on Monday. Many roads in the area are still...
The Motueka Valley Highway was closed after flooding on Monday. Many roads in the area are still being disrupted on Tuesday. Photo: Supplied
Heavy rain and strong winds continue to cause disruption on South Island highways this morning.

Due to flooding, NZTA is advising motorists to use caution when driving along SH6 Belgrove, near Pretty Bridge Valley Rd.

Caution is also advised along SH60 from Motueka to Riwaka. NZTA is asking road users to only travel on this route if necessary.

Tākaka Hill was reopened at 9.45pm after a slip caused it to close for about an hour.

There were still a number of roads closed in the Tasman district on Tuesday morning.

Road closures:
• Motueka Valley Highway - between Tapawera and Woodstock.
• Graeme Valley North Branch Rd
• Waimea West Rd - between Golden Hills Rd and Tea Pot Valley Rd.
• Golden Hills Rd.
• Dovedale Hill Rd.
• Hinetai Rd - 2km stretch is closed.
• Otuwhero Rd.
• Lloyd Valley Rd.
• Pearse Valley Road South.
• Peach Island Rd.
• Higgins Rd.
• Patton Rd.

Tasman District Council is advising residents to treat all surface water as potentially contaminated.

"With all the rain we've had today, stormwater systems across the region have been put under stress with the share volume of water they have coped with. In some cases, surface water that has overflowed from our systems may be contaminated," a spokesperson said.

In particular, the Motueka oxidation ponds have had large volumes of water passing through them, the council said.

"Which means some partially treated water may have overflowed. As a precaution, people are advised not to have contact with or take shellfish from water in coastal areas until further notice."

MetService is predicting a front will move across the lower South Island this evening, bringing a moderate risk of thunderstorms over western Fiordland with a low risk it will extend farther east and to Stewart Island.