Emergency Management: travel earlier, if at all

Updated at 1:35pm with road conditions.

With heavy rainfall expected to intensify flooding this afternoon, Council advises Marlburians to travel as early as possible, if at all.

Red warnings remain in force for Marlborough and Canterbury between Ward and Hanmer and southeast of the Awatere Valley, including the Kaikoura ranges.

Marlborough Emergency Management advises:

"There is surface flooding all over Marlborough and it looks like the rain will continue to fall for some hours yet. We expect further road closures this afternoon.

"If you have to travel far to get home, see if you can leave early today – it’s better to travel now rather than later this afternoon or after dark this evening, when there is likely to be more flooding."

Road conditions

Marlborough Roads reports that "crews continue to inspect roads, monitor flood levels and clear debris across the network when safe to do so".

Regarding road conditions: "There remains surface flooding throughout the region, including all state highways. As rain continues to fall road users are urged to avoid travel and if travel is essential to drive with extreme caution and to the conditions."

Closures to note:

SH6 at Nelson Street is closed due to flooding.

SH1 is closed between Ward and Kaikōura due to flooding.

Queen Charlotte Drive is closed between the Grove Jetty and Picton with multiple slips down.

Northbank Road is closed from Fabians Valley Road.

Old Renwick Road between St Leonards Road and SH6 is closed due to flooding.

Due to flooding the Hammerichs, Jacksons, Thomsons and Old Renwick fords are all closed.