'Large number' of flooding callouts in central Nelson amid heavy rain

Emergency services are responding to a large number of flooding incidents in central Nelson caused by heavy rainfall this morning.

Fire and Emergency NZ Southern Communications Centre shift manager Lyn Crossan said there had been more than 20 incidents reported since 10.15am.

Most of them were in the area between Washington St and Bishopdale in the south.

"We are prioritising the most urgent incidents first, where there is danger to people’s safety," she said.

"However, the majority of incidents relate to floodwaters entering property."

Crossan said FENZ was "strongly advising people to avoid travelling to or through that area this morning."

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence said there was "localised surface flooding" around the region, especially on roads.

"Some of the flood waters are quite deep, so please treat all flood waters as potentially contaminated."

Nelson City Council said Rutherford St was closed between Bridge St and Hardy St while contractors assessed an open manhole.

Van Diemen St was closed from Rutherford St to Brougham St, and Vanguard St was closed near the Hardy St roundabout to Haven Rd.

"All eBus services are currently suspended while the eBus team assess the flooding."

The council said the rain radar showed the front was moving away but that Nelson was experiencing flooding in some areas.

Multiple slips and flooding have closed a section of State Highway 6 between Inangahua Junction and the SH6/SH67 Lower Buller Gorge intersection.

"Delay your journey or if use an alternate route. Next update by early evening or earlier if road conditions change," NZTA said.

In Westport, Buller Emergency Management said there was "quite a bit" of surface flooding around the town.

"Please remember to stay safe — do not attempt to drive through flooded areas."