5PM: Slips and fallen trees are blocking lanes on several West Coast state highways as weather-related disruptions continue across the region.

A New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman says conditions are deteriorating across a number of routes.

“Reports of slips and fallen trees on state highways are adding to weather-related impacts such as flooding on the West Coast today,” the spokesman said.

NZTA has received a report of a slip blocking a lane on State Highway 73 near Otira. Trees are also blocking lanes on SH73 near Jacksons, on State Highway 6 in the Lower Buller Gorge, on SH6 between Murchison and Inangahua Junction, and on SH6 in South Westland between Harihari and Whataroa.

Contractors are being dispatched to assess and clear the affected roads.

Surface flooding warnings remain in place on SH7 between Reefton and Springs Junction at Rahu Saddle, on SH6 through the Lower Buller Gorge between Inangahua and the SH67 intersection, on SH6 between Makarora and Haast including Haast Pass, and on SH6 between Haast and Fox Glacier.

NZTA is urging road users to take extra care as darkness falls, and to avoid driving through floodwaters where depth is uncertain or hazards may not be visible.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​