UPDATE: 24 October, 11.30am – Roads reopened in Southland & Otago

Road closures in Southland and Otago from yesterday’s severe weather event are now rapidly diminishing.

State Highway 6/Dee Street in Invercargill between Gala Street and Fox Street has now reopened after a closure yesterday due to the risk from roofing materials being blown onto the road.

State Highway 1/Bluff Highway remains under stop/go traffic management and a 50km/h temporary traffic speed restriction between the Omaui Road intersection and Bluff township.

State Highway 6 from Lake Hawea to Maungawera, in Central Otago, is also now open after a closure yesterday due to the impacts of the weather.

Road users are asked to continue to drive with care while road hazards such as fallen trees may remain.

State Highway 94/Te Anau Milford Highway is closed from Park Boundary to Donne River (Westgate) because of multiple tree falls, slips and flooding. It is expected to remain closed at least until Monday.

23 October, 9.40pm – Further roads reopened in Otago & Southland

State Highway 8 between Lawrence and Waitahuna, and State Highway 96 between Mataura and Hedgehope, have both reopened tonight after closures during today’s severe winds.

SH8 was affected by fallen trees, while trees and power lines were brought down on SH96. Both roads have since been cleared.

Roading teams have also been alerted tonight to a separate incident of a fallen tree blocking SH8 at Waitahuna, near the intersection with Sunderland Street. Road users should take care through this area.

Further roading updates are due tomorrow.