Rain leads to floods on roads

Motorists in south and coastal Taranaki were encouraged to take care after heavy rain caused flooding on some roads yesterday evening - with more rainfall expected today.

Police began receiving calls about water across state highways and rural roads just after 4pm.

A spokeswoman said officers were alerted to flooding across South Rd, Opunake, about 150mm deep and five metres wide at 4.10pm.

About the same time police also received reports of water right across State Highway 45 at Pihama, about 9km away, she said.

A slip crashed down across SH3, about 4.15pm, near the intersection with Rangikura Rd.

‘‘It’s covered most of the south bound lane in dirt and rocks,’’ she said.

Soon after, at 4.30pm, police were alerted to water across Ihaia Rd, Opunake, near the intersection with Whitcombe Rd.

‘‘It was reported to be half way up car doors as they drove through.’’

She said the flooding and slip would be reported to the council so contractors could be dispatched to the sites.

Constable Colin Kasperski said drivers needed to be more vigilant on the wet roads.

‘‘The weather conditions are pretty bad at the moment and we urge motorists to drive to the conditions and take extra care on the roads,’’ Kasperski said.

Meanwhile, MetService was forecasting more rain for this morning, easing into showers by the evening.

Although tonight should be clear, there’s more rainfall predicted every day until next Tuesday and Wednesday, when clear days are forecast.

After that, however, we’re back to more showers, with southwesterlies also expected.