Turbulent weather across the Top of the South has caused evacuations, cancelled flights and caused extensive surface flooding, slips and highway closures.
A Nelson City Council spokesperson says a large section of footpath and chain link fence have been washed away on Rocks Rd.
The footpath is closed near Magazine Point until structural engineers can assess the damage.
Tasman District Council spokesman Chris Choat says some residents from Brooklyn were evacuated early this morning and have not yet been allowed to return home.
"There is currently surface flooding in Richmond and Brightwater but Golden Bay, Tākaka Hill and Riwaka seem to have born the brunt of it."
He says while the worst bursts of rain have passed, steady rain throughout is expected throughout the day.
"Majority of rivers have turned or are stable but Riwaka River is our main concern at the moment and it's not expected to peak until around lunchtime," says Chris.
"Our message is if you don't have to go out, don't, and treat all roads with caution."
He says river and roading engineers are currently carrying out inspections district-wide with more updates expected later this morning.
Flights have been cancelled to and from Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland and multiple sports games postponed.
SH6 Rocks Rd was earlier closed due to flooding and heavy rain but has since reopened.
The following roads are now closed:
SH6 Hira to Renwick
SH60 Collingwood to Riwaka - Flooding
SH6 Motupiko to Kohatu - Flooding (Korere Tophouse Rd - Motueka Valley Highway)
SH6 Inangahua to Westport - High river levels
SH6 Inangahua - High river levels
SH6 Westport to Rapahoe - Slip
SH63 Renwick to St Arnaud
SH65 Shenandoah to SH6 - Flooding and slips
SH7 Ikamatua to Stillwater - High river levels
SH7 Waipara to Springs Junction (Lewis Pass) - Slip
SH73 Arthurs Pass to Jacksons - Slip
The following roads are open with caution:
STOP/GO SH7 Kaiata to Greymouth - Slip
STOP/GO SH77 Mt Hutt to Rakaia Gorge - Surface Flooding
SH73 Otira to Kumara - Slip/Flooding
NZTA Waka Kotahi are advising travellers to continue to delay travels until the weather has eased.
Heavy rain warnings are in place for Nelson west of Motueka, Richmond and Bryant Ranges, Marlborough Sounds and the inland ranges of Marlborough.
