Central residents planning a trip to the West Coast are urged to take care after a deluge of rain left some West Coast roads impassable.

While many roads are still open, people wanting to travel along State Highway 6 (SH6) south of Franz Josef, or up to Hokitika or Greymouth via the glaciers will need to reassess their trip.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has confirmed heavy rain overnight in south Westland has seen further damage at Smithy’s Creek on SH6, between Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

As a result, SH6 is closed from Franz Josef south to Haast today and overnight, with the section south of Fox Glacier to Haast being reviewed tomorrow morning at 10am.

Smithy’s Creek and SH6 in the Fox Hills near Franz Josef earlier today. PHOTO: Supplied/NZTA

The section between the two glacier towns is likely to remain closed through the weekend and will be reassessed on Monday at noon.

NZTA maintenance contract manager on the West Coast Moira Whinham said creek flows have breached the southern approach at the Smithy’s Creek box culvert overnight on Wednesday, with the continuous heavy rain.

“Rain is forecast to continue all day today with periods of intense showers overnight again Thursday night.

“While the rain continues to fall, crews are limited to minimising further damage and a full assessment of the damage at Smithy’s Creek will occur tomorrow (Friday) morning.”

Rain is forecast to ease over the weekend and crews are on standby to start repairs as soon as conditions are safe for them to do so, Moira said.

SH6 Haast to Makarora in Otago will also close at 7pm tonight (Thursday), due to surface flooding and ongoing torrential rain with high creek levels. It will be reviewed at 10am on Friday.

To keep an eye on Central's forecast, click on The Central App's Weather button, or for roads click the Roads button.