Watch: Waiho River bridge washes away, state of emergency declared
The Waiho Bridge has been taken out by the flooded Waiho River on the West Coast.
The Waiho Bridge has been taken out by the flooded Waiho River on the West Coast.
The dramatic moment the bridge over the Waiho River at Franz Josef is washed away. video / Jacon Schonberger
Heavy rain in the region has seen river levels steadily climb over the day.
Motorists advised to stay off the roads in Westland due to surface flooding and slips.
Torrential downpours on the South Island's West Coast have led to slips and road and school closures, with some sites copping nearly half a metre of rain since Sunday.
Australian cyclones, Tasman Sea marine heatwave and a low pressure have joined forces.
Rain starting to kick in on the South Island's West Coast.
A front will bring some wet weather mid-week, but it'll stay warm.
International flights have not been affected by the fog.