Police encourage Nelson Bays residents to stay off roads

A Civil Defence emergency is still in place in Nelson Bays as the area is hit by heavy rain.

Police incident controller Inspector Ross Lienert said the rain eased slightly overnight allowing rivers to subside, however the area has had more heavy rain since about 4.30am today and rivers and streams are still in flood.

Inspector Lienert is urging people to consider their safety before venturing out onto the road.

"If you don't need to travel please stay at home. The last thing we need right now is people sightseeing and putting themselves at risk."

He said there was still surface flooding and slips on a number of roads and several main routes remained closed.

SH6 over the Takaka Hill is now open, however Police ask that people only use the road if it absolutely essential.

The road to Collingwood is closed by a slip at Birds Hill. Police have been advised that may take several days to clear.

Rocks Road, the main route along the Nelson waterfront is now closed. Police advise trucks not to proceed past the Haven Rd or Wakatu roundabouts as they will be unable to turn around.

Slips and flooding on SH6 north of Nelson are causing concern and that road may soon close.

Ovenight more than 100 people have either been evacuated or chosen to leave their homes. Police have had no reports of injuries, however there has been some damage to homes.

Further reports of slips and evacuations are coming in this morning.