Flood threat in Hutt Valley

The Hutt River. File photo / Martin Sykes

Civil Defence has activated their emergency plan for the Hutt River north of Wellington after exceptionally heavy rainfall overnight.

Police said there was concern that the Hutt River may overflow and Block Road at Melling had been closed with the possibility that other roads may also be affected.

With the start of peak traffic approaching, it was expected that road closures would cause some traffic issues.

Police recommended that those needing to travel this morning left either early or late so as to minimise congestion.

The rain has also caused slips and surface flooding to State Highway 57 between Levin and Palmerston North.

High winds have brought trees down on a few small roads around Dunedin.

Rain and winds are forecast to continue over the next few days.

- NZPA