Motorists in Gisborne are advised to avoid non-essential travel. Photo: mrtwister/123RF
Police are urging motorists in the Gisborne area to avoid non-essential travel due to heavy rain and surface flooding in the region.
A severe thunderstorm warning is in place from Tolaga Bay to Gisborne and up to 170mm of rain is expected about the wider Gisborne region - ahead of 10am Sunday morning.
A police spokesperson said several roads had been closed, including State Highway 35 between Wharf Road, just south of Tolaga Bay and Okitu.
Heavy and persistent rainfall has caused flooding in the area, making it unsafe to access the road.
There is no viable detour and drivers are asked to avoid the area.
Police are asking drivers who must travel to use extreme care - drive to the conditions - and respect road closures.
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