Tasman Highway closed near St Helens due to flooding as severe thunderstorm hits state

Flooding has forced the closure of the Tasman Highway near St Helens this afternoon.

Police have shut the road “to all vehicles” between Hodges Road in Pynegana and Reservoir Road in St Helens.

“If you are in the area affected by the storm, please restrict all non-essential travel. If you do need to be on the road, please drive to the conditions,” police said.

“If it’s flooded, forget it. Never attempt to drive through a flooded road. Even shallow water can be deceptive and pose a significant risk.”

They urged drivers to be cautious of debris on the road, especially in heavy rain or windy conditions and to turn their headlights on.

The closure comes as hundreds are without power across the area as a severe thunderstorm sweeps through the region.