State highways in Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti are closed due to flooding, road drop outs and washouts as a heavy rain warning remains in place for Hawke's Bay until midnight tonight and until midday on Sunday for Tairāwhiti

State Highway 50 in Hawke's Bay has now closed between Tikokino and Ongaonga following a washout of one of the Waipawa River Bridge abutments.

State Highway 35 north of Gisborne remains closed as does State Highway 2 between Matawai and Ormond.

The drop out on State Highway 50. Photo: Waka Kotahi NZTA.

Roading contractors have been out inspecting the state highway network around Tairāwhiti and Hawke's Bay following more heavy rain.

As at 10.45am, Saturday June 24:

State Highway 35 Gisborne to Ruatoria CLOSED

State Highway 2 Matawai to Ormond CLOSED

State Highway 50 Tikokino to Ongaonga CLOSED

State Highway 2 Wairoa to Napier OPEN

State Highway 2 Wairoa to Gisborne OPEN

State Highway 5 Napier – Taupō Road OPEN

SH35 between Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru will remain closed for the rest of the day, while contractors assess damaged caused by an underslip on the road.

The rest of SH35 south of Tolaga Bay and north of Tokomaru is expected to reopen once contractors have cleared further minor slips and debris.

A drop out on State Highway 35 overnight. Photo: Waka Kotahi NZTA.

Waka Kotahi Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Jaclyn Hankin says on SH2 north of Gisborne, a repeat of Friday's escorted convoys had been planned, however cracks in the road and damage at Otoko Hill means those convoys will not be going ahead.

Jaclyn says the rain has also caused a washout of one of the Waipawa River bridge abutments on SH50.

'As a result, the section of SH50 between Tikokino and Ongaonga is currently closed and road users are asked to use SH2 as a detour.

'We have geotechnical engineers assessing a number of sites today including the cracks at Otoko Hill and at the washout on SH50.

Otoko Hill damage, State Highway 2. Photo: Waka Kotahi NZTA.

Jaclyn says in many areas Waka Kotahi NZTA contractors remain in clean up mode.

"So even if state highways are open, please expect to see traffic management controls and contractors on roads. Please expect delays and drive with caution and to the conditions.

'We're also asking people to continue to keep an eye on the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website for the latest information on road conditions, as short-notice closures are a possibility given the rain is continuing.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

· Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/WakaKotahiHBG
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiCNI
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

Otoko Hill damage, State Highway 2. Photo: Waka Kotahi NZTA.