4pm Update: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises State Highway 2 remains closed through the Waimana Gorge, following heavy rainfall in the area.
Key local roads are also closed due to flooding and there is no viable detour.
SH2 through the Waioeka Gorge, south of Opotiki, has recently reopened, however caution is advised as heavy rain continues and the road may need to close again.
Motorists are asked to delay non-essential travel and to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website journeys.nzta.govt.nz for up to date information on road closures, detours, delays, road works and traffic.
3.30pm Update: Bay of Plenty Police advise that the intersection of Wainui Rd and State Highway 2 is now closed.
"People coming from Gisborne through Opotiki will only get as far as Kuatere," says a Police spokesperson.
There's also severe flooding on Wainui Rd and also at Nukuhou on SH 2 near Burnett Rd.
"Please consider staying at home unless you absolutely must travel."
1.52pm Update: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises State Highway 2 remains closed through the Waimana Gorge, following heavy rainfall in the area. Key local roads are also closed due to flooding and there is no viable detour.
SH2 through the Waioeka Gorge, south of Opotiki, has recently reopened, however caution is advised as heavy rain continues and the road may need to close again.
Motorists are asked to delay non-essential travel and to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website journeys.nzta.govt.nz for up to date information on road closures, detours, delays, road works and traffic.
11.30am Update: State Highway 2 is now closed in three places including Waimana Gorge and Waioeke Gorge.
The detour route is also closed, due to flooding. Motorists are advised to avoid the area or delay their journey if possible.
Bay of Plenty Police advise that SH2 is closed between Nukuhou and Kutarere due to flooding.
A slip has closed SH2, Waimana Gorge between Taneatua and Waimana.
Flooding and a slip have also closed SH2, Waioeka Gorge.
11am Update: The Waimana Gorge and Waioeka Gorge are both closed due to slips and flooding.
State Highway 2 from Awakeri to Opotiki and from Opotiki to Gisborne is closed in both directions.
SunLive readers report that the stream is overflowing with one lane of SH2 under water.
Video: Kevin Boynton/Facebook
Traffic is heavy in the area and NZTA advise that no detour is available for the Waioeka Gorge route.
"Avoid the area or delay your journey if possible," says an NZTA spokesperson.
Earlier the Waimana Rural Fire Brigade responded to a person trapped in a car with rising floodwaters. The brigade was alerted at 6.11am and rescued the person from their car.
Police received a report that the vehicle had rolled on Waioreka Rd and came to a stop in the river.
"It was reported to us at about 7.45am today however reportedly happened just before 6am," says a Police spokesperson.
"The single occupant was not injured. The registered owner was to arrange for the vehicle to be recovered."
Waimana Gorge. Image: Google.
Earlier 7.15am NZ Transport Agency advise that a slip and flooding in Waimana Gorge has closed State Highway 2 in both directions.
The Waimana Gorge is located between Taneatua and Waimana and will remain closed until further notice.
Motorists are advised to avoid this route or delay their journey if possible.
There are detour routes in place that are not suitable for HPMVs.
For southbound traffic, turn left onto Taneatua Rd, continue onto Valley Rd, at the roundabout take the third exit onto Gorge Rd, continue onto Ohope Rd, continue onto Pohutakawa Ave, continue onto Wainui Rd, turn left to rejoin SH2 southbound to Opotiki.
Northbound traffic route is in reverse to southbound.
Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey this summer. Keep up to date with:
At the scene? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz
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