Napier-Taupo road blocked by slip

A large slip has partially blocked the Napier-Taupo Road (State Highway 5) near the Titiokura Summit following heavy rain that has lashed the region in the past 24 hours.

The slip which happened this morning has reduced the three lane highway to one lane. Police advised motorists to negotiate the slip with care and be aware of oncoming traffic.

Roading contractors were on their way to the Titiokura summit to clear the debris.

Sections of SH5 between Napier and Taupo were affected by flooding yesterday, and SH50 between Ongaonga and Tikokino southwest of Hastings closed after flooding.

Heavy flooding in the Hastings suburb Flaxmere yesterday afternoon saw parts of it isolated, and police warned motorists off the roads.

Flaxmere roads were accessible again shortly before 8pm, police said.

The heavy rain made its way south overnight, with 80mm predicted by MetService in the southern and eastern hills and ranges of Wairarapa through to late Saturday morning.

It warned rivers and streams were likely to rise rapidly.

A heavy rain watch was also in force for the hills and ranges of Wanganui, northern Manawatu and eastern and southern parts of Wellington.

There was also rain in the South Island yesterday, with the World Buskers Festival in Christchurch disrupted because of downpours.

- NZPA