New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has issued an area warning for State Highway 6 between Hokitika and Haast due to surface flooding and strong winds.

Road users are advised to take caution along the route.

The warning comes as rain falls along the West Coast following MetService orange heavy rain warnings covering Tasman down to Fiordland, and the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur’s Pass.

Orange warnings indicate streams and rivers may rise rapidly, with the potential for surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions.

MetService also has a strong wind watch in place for the Canterbury high country, where north to northwest winds could approach severe gale in exposed places.