Cyclone Gita closes roads across the South Island
Tuesday, 20 February 2018
Ex-Cyclone Gita is causing chaos across central New Zealand – roads are closed, flights are grounded and a state of emergency has been declared in Christchurch, Buller, Westland, Selwyn, Tasman, Taranaki, and Grey District.
A list of the road closures can be found below:
Sections of SH3 from Urenui to Waitara in Taranaki are closed for tree removal.
Sections of SH54 from Cheltenham to Hunterville in Manawatū are closed due to strong winds.
**READ MORE:
* Live: Cyclone Gita nears New Zealand
* Live: MetService answers your Gita questions
* Cyclone Gita: full coverage**
SH6 from Hokitika to Franz Joseph was closed at 4pm due to strong winds and is likely to remain closed overnight Tuesday.
SH6 from Westport to Rapahoe (north of Greymouth) was closed earlier on Tuesday due to flooding and strong winds. The road is expected to remain closed overnight, with a further assessment to be made on Wednesday morning.
SH6 at the Gates of Haast is reduced to a single lane, with traffic controls in place.
SH6 Hokitika to the Haast Pass/Makarora – closed due to strong winds and falling trees. Strong winds through the Whataroa Valley, trees down.
SH1 Beach Rd and Mill Rd intersection has been closed. Lyell Creek is running high.
SH73 (West Coast side of Arthurs Pass/Otira to Christchurch) Jacksons to Kumara Junction – closed due to strong winds and falling trees across highway. This highway may close on the Canterbury side depending on how the wind patterns develop overnight.
SH60 from Riwaka to Takaka was closed just after 4pm due to fallen trees across the highway, slips and flooding at the turnoff to Kaiteriteri. Video showed the road at the bottom of the hill resembling a river as the Riuwaka River burst its banks.
SH1 north and south of Kaikōura remains closed due to heavy rain and the risk of slips and rock falls. The highway will be reassessed in the morning.
SH1 at Hapuku, several kilometres south of the road block at Maungamanu, has been closed due to slips. Further slips have been reported up the coast.
Route 70, inland road, to Kaikōura via Waiau and Mt Lyford – closed with the Mason River rising rapidly at the Whalesback slip area. Kaikōura is effectively isolated until this road or SH1 reopens. Route 70 will be assessed first thing in the morning to see if the upper route can be opened to traffic.
All drivers travelling from Picton to Christchurch are advised to take the Lewis Pass route via Waipara and St Arnaud.
SH6 Rocks Rd in Nelson remains open, but is being monitored closely.
Residents in low lying areas or at risk have been advised to be prepared to evacuate if needed and not to wait until told.
The NZ Transport Agency is urging motorists to delay travel if possible until the heavy rain and strong winds have passed. High winds are especially challenging for drivers of caravans, campervans, high sided vehicles and motorbikes.
If delaying travel is not an option, it's important that motorists drive to the conditions during severe weather: Reduce driving speeds, increase following distances and be alert to the possibility of surface flooding, fallen trees and debris.
All current road closures and warnings will be updated in real time during the storm event at journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic, and drivers can also call 0800 44 44 49 for updates on road conditions, closures or delays.