Flooding and slips cause road closures between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki

State Highway 2, Mātāwai to Waioeka, and Waioeka Gorge were closed due to flooding and slips just after 8am this morning. Photo / NZTA

Sections of the main highway between the Gisborne and Bay of Plenty regions were closed this morning after flooding and slips.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) notified that Waioeka Gorge, along State Highway 2, was closed due to slips about 8.20am.

The closure was until further notice as of 1.15pm.

The section of State Highway 2 from Mātāwai to Waioeka was also closed until further notice around 8.20am this morning.

“Due to flooding and slips, the road is closed between Mātāwai and Waioeka. Avoid the area or delay your journey if possible,” NZTA said.

“Crews are onsite clearing debris, and an update will be provided when the road is able to safely reopen. People are urged to drive with caution and check the NZTA Journey Planner for updates."

Motorists were asked to use an alternative route or delay their journey.

MetService issued another severe thunderstorm watch for Gisborne, from 6.30am until 11am today.

“A moist unstable northwesterly flow is expected to bring frequent showers and possible thunderstorms to Gisborne/Tairāwhiti and the Wairoa District during this morning,” it said.

“There is a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms with downpours bringing localised rainfall rates of 25-40mm/h.

“Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.”

UPDATE: NZTA confirmed at 5.10pm Friday that State Highway 2 through Waioeka Gorge would be closed over the weekend and an update will be provided on Monday morning.