Update on Winter weather in Hawke’s Bay

Published: 13 July 2017

Last Updated: 21 July 2017

An operation is underway to rescue around a dozen motorists who have got their vehicles stuck on State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo.

The highway remains closed until further notice due to heavy snow and ice.

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management is working with Police and the New Zealand Transport Authority to rescue the motorists and transport them to safety.

Meanwhile, the Napier- Taihape Road will be closed all day today and overnight from the Kaweka Forestry headquarters to the end of the road on the Rangitikei side. Hastings residents living beyond the forestry point who require more information should phone 871 5000. The closure point at the Kaweka Forestry is manned by Fulton Hogan during daylight hours.

POHOKURA Rd is closed from Lake Opouahe (Tutira) to Waitara Rd.

PUKETITIRI Rd is open but is being monitored.

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Manager Ian Macdonald says it is vital motorists do not drive past road closures. He says sometimes there are hidden dropouts and downed power lines, and insurance is void past a roadblock.

He is urging all road users to take extra care on the roads due to the winter conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. For the latest on road conditions visit www.nzta.govt.nz

Ian Macdonald says winter storms are normal this time of the year, while Civil Defence does not have any major concerns about the overall impacts on Hawke’s Bay, winds can cause damage to trees, powerlines etc and make driving hazardous.  MetService advise there is the possibility that this weather will continue into late Friday

Sea swells will rise again tomorrow, but mostly only affecting southern HB and Nukaka areas.

For more information on getting ready to get thru a civil defence emergency visit www.hbemergency.govt.nz or visit Hawke’s Bay Emergency on Facebook or Twitter.

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