SH2 between Wairoa and Napier shut

State Highway Two between Wairoa and Napier will remain closed for most of the morning, after heavy rain caused a number of slips along the road.

NZTA closed the road late last night, and says it will not reopen until mid morning at the earliest. Further north, the Mata River near Ruatoria burst its banks yesterday, washing away road access.

Hawke's Bay and Poverty Bay residents will be waking to assess the damage across the regions, with heavy rain falling throughout the night. Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution, and any non-essential trips should be avoided.

- NEWSTALK ZB