The NZ Transport Agency advises people driving between Picton and Christchurch tomorrow Friday, 12 January, to be aware that more rain is forecast overnight (Thursday), which may affect people planning to travel on State Highway 1 through Kaikoura.

As part of their severe weather warnings, the MetService advises that 40-60mm of rain is expected today and more could arrive overnight in Kaikoura. Around 20mm had fallen in Kaikoura to lunchtime today with slightly more falling south of the town in the hills. Although rain is forecast to lighten from later Friday, rain could still be in the 50-70mm range and higher in the Hundalees towards Cheviot.

NZTA journey manager Tresca Forrester encourages travellers to keep up to date with the latest information.

“People should check information about their route before they set off but also at key decision points on their trip to make sure the weather and road conditions haven‘t changed. Real-time information is available at www.nzta.govt.nz/p2c or by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).”

Two parts of SH1, both north and south of Kaikoura, are still construction sites, which are vulnerable to severe weather. These two sections are currently closed each night from 8.30pm to 7am as a safety precaution.

“While the road is scheduled to open at 7am on Friday morning, we have a short time frame between 5.30am and 7am for the crews to conduct morning safety inspections before we open the road. It may be that the opening of the road is delayed if there are safety or slip concerns following those inspections.”

If travelling between Picton and Christchurch, the alternative route (via State Highways 63, 6, 65 and 7 through Lewis Pass) remains a reliable 24/7 option, but care needs to be taken whichever route you take.

“Wet weather can cause all roads to get slippery but especially those where construction work is underway like the alternative route, so it‘s important to take extra care and drive to the conditions.”

Forrester says if State Highway 1 is delayed from opening through Kaikoura at the usual time of 7.00 am Friday (12 January), the links below will be updated by 7.00am Friday.

How to stay up to date:

• The key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions nationwide is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic and for Kaikoura, ie the Picton to Christchurch routes, www.nzta.govt.nz/p2c

• Important information is also shared via the NZTA‘s official Twitter and Facebook accounts listed here https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/

• Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can provide them with traffic and travel information either before they‘re travelling or when they‘re on the road.

• MetService severe weather warnings here. http://www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-warnings

• MetService three day rainfall map here http://www.metservice.com/maps-radar/rain-forecast/rain-forecast-3-day