MetService has lifted all weather watches and warnings in New Zealand as most of the country wakes to a fine day ahead.
While the wild weather that lashed parts of the South Island has eased, much of the country is still in for showers and occasional rain on Sunday.
Torrential rainfall subsided on Saturday in the Nelson-Tasman and West Coast regions after four days of downpours that forced hundreds of people from their homes.
While clean-ups are underway in affected areas - particularly in Nelson, which was hardest hit by flooding - some light rain may get in the way of efforts on Sunday.
In flood-hit Nelson, MetService is forecasting a cloudy day with occasional rain that is meant to clear by midday, with fine breaks developing this afternoon.
While the rain has eased and floodwaters have receded, the State Highway network across the top of the South Island remains seriously affected.
In a statement, the Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency said they are continuing recovery and assessment work, but it will still be some time before the links between Nelson and Blenheim on State Highway 6 and State Highway 63 are restored. An update on their status is to be provided on Tuesday.
The only alternative route into Nelson from Blenheim, the West Coast and Canterbury is via the Lewis Pass, State Highway 7 and Murchison, State Highways 65 and 6.
State Highway closures:
SH6 Nelson to Blenheim – Hira to Rai Valley: closed due to flood damage
SH6 Rocks Road - Nelson Central from Haven Road to the Tahunanui intersection: closed because of slip risk
The detour route is via Haven Rd, Halifax St, Rutherford St and Waimea Rd. This route is available for Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV). There are no alternative routes through the city due to height and weight restrictions. All vehicles must comply with speed restrictions
- SH63 Renwick to Saint Arnaud: closed because of flood damage.
Although the bad weather has subsided, Waka Kotahi is continuing to urge road users to take extreme care.
Drivers are asked to drive to the conditions, and as contractors work to restore access to affected areas, roadworks and delays are expected to affect travel times.
Motorists are still strongly advised to avoid travel or keep to essential trips only in flooded and debris-filled areas around Tākaka, Nelson and Blenheim.
Civil Defence teams continue to assist with the delivery of medication and other essential items to isolated communities around Marlborough, including Canvastown, Rai Valley and those in the Marlborough Sounds.
People continue to be advised to treat all surface water as if it is contaminated with sewerage. The Marlborough District Council has urged locals to take hygiene precautions when coming into contact with surface water. The Public Health Service also recommends people on their own water supply who are affected by flooding to boil their water, as flood water can contain sickness-causing bugs.
Meanwhile, the weather is looking mostly fine for the North Island on Sunday, with showers forecasted mainly around midday and into the afternoon, while most of the South Island can also expect showers and smatterings of rainfall.
Waikato to Taranaki, including Taupo and Bay of Plenty
A few showers, becoming frequent for a time this afternoon and evening.
Gisborne and Hawke's Bay
Mostly fine.
Whanganui, Taihape, Manawatu and Wairarapa
A few showers, mainly around midday.
Horowhenua to Wellington, also Nelson
Occasional rain or showers, some heavy about Horowhenua Kapiti Coast this morning, clearing in most places late afternoon.
Westland and Buller
Scattered rain easing to a few showers this evening.
Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago, except Clutha
Scattered rain clearing this evening.
Fiordland, Southland and Clutha
Occasional rain or showers.
Chatham Islands
Cloudy with a few showers or drizzle.
