Update 9pm: NZTA Waka Kotahi say extreme care is needed on roads around Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti this evening, as strong wind and heavy rain continues.

State Highway 38 from Frasertown to Lake Waikaremoana remains closed this evening.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds have battered both Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay during the day, causing road closures, slips, trees to fall and surface flooding.

SH35 between Gisborne and Tolaga Bay is open.

"Please note, crews will be leaving flooding warning signs in place as a precaution, in the highest risk areas," says an NZTA spokesperson.

SH35 Awapuni Road, Gisborne, between the intersections of Lytton Road and Banks Street, is open.

SH2 between Putorino and Wairoa is now open, under convoy for all road users.

"Crews onsite will be piloting traffic from Mitchell Road to Kiwi Valley Road, due to surface flooding.

"This may mean there’s a delay for road users, while they wait for the pilot vehicles to begin the  convoys. Please be patient while waiting."

NZTA say crews will continue to reassess the convoys overnight.

SH38 between Frasertown and Lake Waikaremoana is closed.

Even though many of the highways are currently open, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is strongly advising road users to avoid overnight travel if possible.

"It’s important people driving on the roads are alert to the possibility of surface flooding, slips and debris, and travelling at night has the potential to make those risks harder to see.

"Crews are monitoring the network; please also expect the possibility of short-notice closures, and keep up to date overnight with NZTA’s Journey Planner."

Earlier, 5.30pm:

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is warning that extreme care is needed on roads around Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, as strong wind and heavy rain continues on Wednesday.

State Highway 2 has now reopened between Napier and Wairoa, under convoy for all road users.

As of 5pm, State Highway 35 between Gisborne and Tolaga Bay is open.

"Please note, crews will be leaving flooding warning signs in place as a precaution, in the highest risk areas," says an NZTA spokesperson.

SH35 Awapuni Road, Gisborne, between the intersections of Lytton Road and Banks Street is currently closed. It is expected to be open at 5.30pm.

Flooding on State Highway 2 near Wairoa at Turiroa. Photo: Ann Revington.

State Highway 2 between Putorino and Wairoa is now open, under convoy for all road users.

"Crews onsite will be piloting traffic from Mitchell Road to Kiwi Valley Road, due to surface flooding.

"This may mean there’s a delay for road users, while they wait for the pilot vehicles to begin the  convoys. Please be patient while waiting."

State Highway 2 between Napier and Gisborne was closed due to slips and tree falls. Photo: NZTA.

NZTA says crews will continue to reassess the convoys overnight.

SH38 between Frasertown and Lake Waikaremoana is closed.

"Please avoid all unnecessary travel and be alert to the possibility of surface flooding, slips and debris wherever you travel on the state highway network," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"Please also continue to expect short-notice closures as the weather continues to impact the regions."

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

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nztahbg
• X (formerly Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/nztacni
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz