Weather live: Road closures as heavy rain, snow cause disruption in South Island

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Parts of Marlborough and Canterbury are facing floods, snow and possible gales a day after another storm system slammed into Otago.

A red heavy rain warning for Marlborough and Canterbury between Ward and Hanmer and southeast of the Awatere Valley, including the Kaikoura ranges, runs until Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, further north there is an orange rain warning and a watch for the Wairarapa region.

Snow about the Mackenzie Country is slowly easing.

Severe southeast gales are affecting the west of the South Island. The heavy rain is expected to be significant in parts of North Canterbury and Marlborough and a red heavy rain warning is in place.

What where are the road closures in the South Island?

State Highway closures remain in place this morning in the central and lower South Island from the current weather event, as further disruption is expected today.

The following closures are in place:

State Highway 6 Whataroa to Harihari, West Coast, because of strong winds

State Highway 6, Haast to Fox Glacier, West Coast, because of fallen trees

State Highway 8, Fairlie to Lake Pukaki, Mackenzie Basin, because of snow and ice

State Highway 1, between Seven Mile Road and Pukeuri, North Otago, because of flooding. A detour is in place for this closure: southbound traffic should turn right on to Seven Mile Road, then left on to State Highway 83, then right back on to SH1. The reverse applies for northbound traffic.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) also has multiple road area warnings in place around the central and lower south because of the prevailing winter driving conditions, and road users are being urged to travel with extra care and to drive to the conditions.

MetService is forecasting heavy rain and snow today through inland Canterbury to the top of the South Island. A rare red heavy rain warning is in place for Marlborough and Canterbury between Ward and Hanmer Springs and southeast of the Awatere Valley, including the Kaikoura Range. This red level of warning carries the risk of a threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding, slips and impassable roads.

Further highway closures may be required today if the weather impacts make it unsafe.

Because of the heavy rainfall and melting snow, there is also a risk of ice build-up in parts of the South Island over the coming days that people should be wary of. Roading crews will be laying grit and anti-ice agents on the highways to assist vehicle traction.

Strong winds remain a threat on the West Coast south of Westport, especially for high-sided vehicles, towing vehicles and motorcycles.