Slip threatens State Highway 2

A large slip is threatening to close State Highway 2 on the Rimutaka Hill between the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa as forecasters warn heavy rain in the area is set to continue.

The slip, on the Wairarapa side of the hill, was threatening to block both lanes and motorists should drive very cautiously in the area, police said.

Meanwhile, the MetService says the downpours aren't over yet.

Rain was expected to continue to fall heavily in the Tararua Ranges and eastern hill country of Wairarapa throughout the day, with further moderate falls expected in the area tomorrow.

Further north, 100-150mm was expected to fall in the ranges of Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.

However, while the rain continues to tumble down, the high winds of yesterday have died down.

Ferry passengers stranded on either side of the Cook Strait yesterday after high winds and heavy seas prevented sailings were able to travel today with both Bluebridge and Interislander resuming passenger services.

A warning for severe southerly gales in Wellington and the Wairarapa had been lifted, as had a heavy rain warning for the Kaikoura and Canterbury ranges, and snow warnings for the central North Island.

- NZPA