Forecast strong winds in Marlborough have caused power outages, trees to come down and some damage across the region.
Marlborough Emergency Services Manager Matt Kerr said the advice remains the same – delay your boating trip if you can, shelter somewhere safe if you are already in the Sounds and drive carefully and to the conditions. “The strong wind and now rain is making driving conditions challenging, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.”
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) have advised that State Highway 6 (SH6) between Rai Valley and Hira is now closed. An alternative route is available via SH6/SH63 through the Wairau Valley.
Work is ongoing to assess the road which is susceptible to wind and fallen trees. NZTA advise people to delay their journey if possible, exercise caution if you must travel and drive to the conditions.
The Strong Wind Warning - Orange has been extended for the Marlborough Sounds until 6pm today (Tuesday). Severe gale east to southeast winds gusting 120 km/h in exposed places are forecast until then. There is a minimal chance of this upgrading to a Red Warning.
MetService has also now issued a Heavy Rain Watch – Yellow for the Richmond and Bryant Ranges and Rai Valley for 24 hours from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday). There is a moderate chance of this upgrading to a Warning.
A Heavy Rain Watch - Yellow remains in place for the Kaikōura Coast until 9pm this evening. MetService is forecasting periods of heavy rain for this area. There is a moderate chance of this upgrading to a Warning.
Power outages are also affecting parts of Pelorus Sound as well as some other areas across Marlborough.
Marlborough Lines is working to locate multiple faults and to restore power as quickly as safely possible. They advise due to the current weather they may not be able to restore all faults immediately and customers should prepare for the possibility of power not being restored today.
People with information about the cause of faults or who have observed any hazards on the network should phone 03 577 7007.
Updates are available at the following links:
Go to Marlborough Lines' Facebook page for power updates
Go to MetService for the latest weather information including warnings
For Marlborough highway conditions go to NZTA highway conditions
Further updates will be provided if the situation changes.
