Gale force winds and heavy rain are battering the upper North Island as Cyclone Hale makes it way southwards, bringing with it road closures and power outages.
The first tropical storm of the year has residents in the Coromandel being urged to "hunker down" as the district braces for more wet, wild weather.
"This is likely to be a significant adverse weather event with widespread effects, and more areas are likely to be added as the system moves closer and its exact track and intensity become more certain," MetService said.
The weather agency has issued a range of severe weather warnings, including orange heavy rain warnings for the Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, eastern hills and ranges of Wairarapa, and the Tararua Range
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What you need to know
- MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings for the Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, eastern hills and ranges of Wairarapa, and the Tararua Range
- Severe flooding and slips have caused road closures in parts of the upper North Island, including SH1 north of Auckland and SH35 in the Coromandel
- Some Gisborne residents in low-lying areas have been told to prepare for evacuations
- Hundreds of properties have lost power
- A state of local emergency has been declared in Tairāwhiti
These live updates have finished.
10:40pm - A state of local emergency has been declared in Tairāwhiti due to Cyclone Hale, which made landfall around lunchtime today with gale-force winds, swells up to 6m up the coast and heavy rain.
Rainfall intensity is increasing with MetService predicting a further 30 - 50mm of rain. There's surface flooding in lots of areas across the region.
Hikuwai River at Willowflat is now at 12.44m and rising, and is estimated to peak just over 13m near midnight tonight. Residents in the vicinity have self-evacuated.
Waipaoa River at Kanakanaia is at 6.5m and rising, and is estimated to peak between 7 and 7.5m. The Waiotu Stream bank has breached and flooded the highway at Tokomaru Bay.
Tairāwhiti Civil Defence controller Nedine Thatcher Swann asks everyone to please stay off the roads and take this weather event seriously.
"We want to ensure our community is aware we have more rain to come and rivers are still rising," she said in a statement.
"We have surface flooding across the region and ask everyone to please respect any road barriers that are up."
9:25pm - Here's an update from WeatherWatch, who says Cyclone Hale will make landfall overnight in northern New Zealand:
The centre of ex-tropical Cyclone Hale is still approaching the upper North Island.
The way the tracking is tonight curving as it moves in from the north-east means that it could make 'landfall' in Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, even Waikato (if it came down the Firth of Thames) or Bay of Plenty (if it remains further to the east). That means it could make landfall as early as just after midnight - or after dawn.
Once the centre of Hale moves over land the storm system will weaken wind-wise, until it moves south east of the North Island and out over the Pacific Ocean by tomorrow afternoon or night.
Auckland is now experiencing strong gusts as the centre gets closer, with Great Barrier Island the closest land to the centre. As the centre moves in the airflow is expected to weaken - so expect a surge of strong winds then, conditions should ease overnight as the centre moves in. A bit of one step forwards, one step backwards.
Much of the heaviest rain is being pushed down the North Island - this often happens when cyclones become extra-tropical. Strong winds are also sliding down the eastern side of the North Island.
9pm - MetService has just updated its weather warnings and watches.
The weather agency said Cyclone Hale is lying just east of the upper North Island and should move across the North Island tonight and during Wednesday.
"The cyclone is expected to bring further heavy rain and gales to many North Island areas and northern South Island, and watches and warnings remain in force. This is a significant adverse weather event with widespread effects," they said.
"People are urged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings, and to stay alert to bulletins from local authorities."
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Coromandel Peninsula
- Period: 6hrs from 8pm Tue, 10 Jan - 2am Wed, 11 Jan
- Forecast: Expect a further 20 to 35 mm, in addition to what has already fallen. Peak rates of 5 to 15 mm/h are possible this evening.
Gisborne
- Period: 6hrs from 8pm Tue, 10 Jan - 2am Wed, 11 Jan
- Forecast: Expect a further 30 to 50 mm of rain, in addition to what has already fallen. Peak rates of 15 to 20 mm/h. Please note, that thunderstorms with heavy falls are possible during Wednesday morning.
Hawke's Bay
- Period: 14hrs from 8pm Tue, 10 Jan - 10am Wed, 11 Jan
- Forecast: Expect a further 60 to 80 mm of rain, in addition to what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm/h. Please note, that thunderstorms with heavy falls are possible inland during Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Eastern hills and ranges of Wairarapa
- Period: 24hrs from 9pm Tue, 10 Jan - 9pm Wed, 11 Jan
- Forecast: Expect 100 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm per hour possible, especially Wednesday morning.
Tararua Range
- Period: 26hrs from 8pm Tue, 10 Jan - 10pm Wed, 11 Jan
- Forecast: Expect 120 to 140 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm per hour, mainly during Wednesday morning.
Heavy Rain Watch
Mount Taranaki
- Period: 24hrs from 11pm Tue, 10 Jan - 11pm Wed, 11 Jan
- Forecast: Periods of heavy rain and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Marlborough and Canterbury coast from Cape Campbell to Kaikoura and the Seaward Kaikoura Range
- Period: 17hrs from 4am - 9pm Wed, 11 Jan
- Forecast: A period of heavy rain and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Central North Island hills and mountains, especially about and south of Tongariro National Park
- Period: 26hrs from 8pm Tue, 10 Jan - 10pm Wed, 11 Jan
- Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms with heavy falls are possible on Wednesday.
Strong Wind Watch
Eastern Taupo
- Period: 9hrs from 8pm Tue, 10 Jan - 5am Wed, 11 Jan
- Forecast: Southeast winds may approach severe gale at times.
Southern Taranaki, coastal Whanganui, Manawatu, especially near the Gorge, Horowhenua, Kapiti and Wellington
- Period: 23hrs from 3am Wed, 11 Jan - 2am Thu, 12 Jan
- Forecast: Southeasterlies may approach severe gale in some places.
8:50pm - Uawa Civil Defence has shared photos showing the impact of flooding.
8:35pm - State Highway 35 between Parkinson St and Kopuaroa Rd has closed due to the weather.
Waka Kotahi NZTA says people should avoid the area or delay their journey.
8:10pm - WeatherWatch has just released a map showing where the strongest belts of winds lie.
The map shows the Coromandel, Gisborne, East Cape, and Hawke's Bay are feeling the windy weather the strongest.
"The Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Kaimai, Manukau, and Coromandel ranges are all acting like speed bumps, slowing down the wind flow overall (but making it worse right on the western side of those ranges)," WeatherWatch said.
7:50pm - Twenty-five millimetres of rain has fallen in Waikura Valley in the past hour, Tairāwhiti Civil Defence says, making the total there 251mm in the past 24 hours.
Additionally, power is out for some homes in Ruatoria and Te Araroa, they added.
7:40pm - State Highway 1 from Brynderwyn to Waipu has reopened.
It was closed earlier in the day due to slips and flooding, Waka Kotahi NZTA said.
"Please adhere to temporary speed restrictions and expect delays," Waka Kotahi said on Twitter.
"Please continue to exercise caution in the area this evening and tomorrow."
Also, State Highway 15 in Northland has reopened. It was previously shut between Loop Rd, Otaika, and Mangatapere, south of Whangārei.
6:50pm - Cyclone Hale is leaving a trail of destruction as heavy rain and strong winds move down the country.
6:15pm - WeatherWatch says the centre of Cyclone Hale is moving in tonight to Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, and the Bay of Plenty.
It may linger in the north for around 12 to 18 hours before moving down over the central North Island and speeds up on Wednesday afternoon as it pulls away to the southeast, they said.
5:20pm - NIWA has released its latest Cyclone Hale wind gust forecast.
It said strong wind gusts are expected to continue across the Coromandel and Gisborne tonight, with moderate gusts across the rest of the North Island through Wednesday.
5:10pm - The Thames-Coromandel District Council is asking people in Coromandel Town to conserve water for the next 48 hours.
"The very heavy rain we have had over the past few days, and set to continue, has meant that the stream we draw water from is carrying a heavy sediment load. This means the water treatment plant must process at a much slower rate due to the additional sediment in the water, or even be shut off at times," they said in a Facebook post.
"As a result, our treated water storage is lower than normal, which looks set to be the case until the water source becomes cleaner."
4:40pm - State Highway 1 is closed from Brynderwyn to Waipu due to slips and flooding, Waka Kotahi NZTA says.
They ask drivers to consider delaying their journey or follow the detour.
4:35pm - Tairāwhiti Civil Defence has given a situation update. They say:
- State Highway 35 will close overnight between Tolaga Bay and Ruatoria from 7pm.
- They're monitoring the Hikuwai River. It's predicted to peak around 12.4m at 11pm.
- High tide is around 9:30pm and this is when heavy rain is forecast.
- They're keeping an eye on State Highway 2 at Te Karaka and the Waipaoa River. If locals need to self-evacuate, the Te Karaka Area School is available.
- Around 53 homes are without power and likely to remain off overnight.
- There has been heavy rainfall at the top of the coast, with more expected across the district this evening. Here's some rainfall data from the last 24 hours: Mata River and Waikura Valley - 162mm, Hikuwai - 148mm, Ruatoria - 104mm, Waimata River at Goodwins Bridge - 58mm, and Stout Street - 48mm.
- A few local roads have been affected by flooding, slips and trees down.
4:25pm - NIWA has released weather camera footage from today - and they said their camera took "a real hammering".
The footage, taken in Bream Bay, Northland, shows the heavy rain and high winds slamming the beach all day today.
4:10pm - Aren't sure how to read MetService's tracking maps for Cyclone Hale? They've just released a blog post that explains the symbols and maps they use, and they answer frequently asked questions.
3:25pm - Rough seas from Cyclone Hale have caused some beach erosion in Whitianga, according to NIWA.
A video posted to Twitter shows large sections of land missing near the beach.
"So far, Whitianga's max wind gust has been 67 km/h, but stronger winds are lurking offshore," they said.
"High tide is just after 10pm."
3:10pm - A car had to be rescued by a digger after getting stuck in a river.
Photos show rescuers in the water while the digger helps free the car.
2:55pm - Police are advising there are further road closures across Whangārei. Here's their media release:
More roads closures are in place, as bad weather continues to hit Northland.
State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns is partially closed in both ways due to severe surface flooding and slips.
Traffic is being diverted through the intersection between State Highways 14 and 1.
Riverside Drive in Whangārei is down to one lane due to surface flooding.
And smaller cars should avoid Memorial Drive, again due to surface flooding.
Residents are once more advised to stay home as far as possible, and in particular, stay away from the coast.
Motorists are asked to please drive carefully and to the conditions.
2:50pm - Waka Kotahi NZTA is now advising State Highway 35 will now be closed between Ruatōria and Tolaga Bay at 7pm tonight.
This information is an update to what they said at 1:30pm about tonight's road closures.
This section of SH35 will be shut due to safety concerns around the Hikuwai River.
2:25pm - Flooding has blocked the road at Hot Water Beach Road in the Coromandel.
2:15pm - The heavy rain in Northland is causing flooding on roads.
On Russell Rd in Whangārei, a culvert that's been blocked for two years, according to one resident, is causing flooding in the street.
2:10pm - MetService has released a new tracking map of Cyclone Hale.
The weather agency said the cyclone is expected to track towards Great Barrier Island today, then change direction and move towards the southeast tomorrow.
1:55pm - The Thames-Coromandel District Council warns that Cyclone Hale will "likely be a one in 20-year storm event".
"Fresh off a briefing with MetService and Waikato Regional Council, our emergency management team has been advised that 400mm of rain is now forecast to fall through to 10pm tonight," the council said.
"While the cyclone is set to begin easing off tonight and through tomorrow, our catchments are struggling to cope so expect widespread surface flooding, slips, storm surge, and road closures to continue."
Civil Defence controller Garry Towler urges people to stay off roads and beaches for their own safety.
1:45pm - A person came to the rescue after flood water stole a girl's jandels on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Rachel Scott told Newshub her friend saved her daughters jandel which was getting swept out in the flooded Pauanui Estuary.
1:40pm - Footage sent to Newshub shows severe flooding on McLean's road in Waipu, Northland.
Local real estate agent James Alexander drove through the water and said it was "very, very deep".
1:30pm - Waka Kotahi NZTA is advising motorists to expect further road closures along the East Coast as Cyclone Hale passes through.
Here's the full statement:
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists that State Highway 35 (SH35) between Ruatoria and Te Puia Springs will be closed at 7pm tonight and further road closures are expected along the East Coast.
On SH35, the Kopuaroa Hill Improvements Project site, located within the road closure, has suffered further damage overnight with more movement expected as Ex Cyclone Hale passes through.
National Journey Manager Helen Harris says safety is the top priority for our communities.
"The ground is already saturated and with this evening’s forecasted rainfall, we're expecting further movement on Kopuaroa.
"Our contractors will be watching the area closely and planning for a closure at 7pm — or earlier if conditions become unsafe before then."
The closure will be reassessed at first light tomorrow morning.
In the Coromandel – drivers should plan ahead for road closures, as Waka Kotahi expects State Highway 25 (SH25) will close in multiple places.
SH25 closed west of Matarangi due to flooding this morning.
Rising flood waters are beginning to affect roads in multiple areas and a further 100 to 150mm of rain is forecast to fall through to 10pm tonight.
It’s likely that there will be flooding south of Tairua, south of Whitianga and at the Kauaeranga spillway in Thames, near the airfield.
There may also be waves washing onto the road where the state highway is close to the sea, such as around Whitianga.
Waka Kotahi is urging motorists to delay travel and stay off affected roads if they can. If they must travel, they should expect the unexpected and remain alert.
Ms Harris says further damage is expected to occur on the network, even after rainfall stops, due to saturated ground and unstable slopes.
In Tairāwhiti, between 200 and 250 millimetres of rain is expected through to 2am tomorrow, along with four to six metre swells. Road crews will be patrolling SH35 and State Highway 2 north and south, monitoring known slip sites and responding to any issues.
Ms Harris says; "We are working with emergency services, Gisborne District Council, Eastland Network and Civil Defence to coordinate movement for emergency and service vehicles across the region.
Unsealed local roads in Tairāwhiti, are closed to heavy freight trucks until 8pm Wednesday 11 January.
Contractors will be out responding to network flooding and any slips and fallen trees if it is safe to do so, and Ms Harris asks people to stay alert for unreported hazards, including fallen branches, and the potential of downed powerlines.
"Drive to the conditions, view the latest weather forecast on the MetService website and check your intended route for hazards or disruptions before setting out using the Waka Kotahi interactive Journey Planner website.
The Ex Cyclone Hale is expected to have moved through the Coromandel Peninsula by tomorrow morning.
Waka Kotahi will continue to provide updates about the Kopuaroa Hill road closure and any other issues that impact travel.
Kopuaroa Hill Improvements Project is part of the SH35 Resilience Programme aimed at strengthening and stabilising Tairāwhiti’s roading network.
1:20pm - The southbound lane has been opened after a tree fell across the northbound lane of State Highway 1, near Dome Valley (Warkworth), police said.
The southbound lane is open, however, motorists travelling in the area should expect significant delays.
There were no reports of injuries.
1:10pm - MetService imagery shows Cyclone Hale. The forecaster said the clouds sweeping out from the low centre and spreading over the North Island are carrying bands of heavy rain and strong winds.
12:55pm - Cyclone Hale's heavy rain has now arrived on the East Coast and modelling shows the Hikuwai River could peak at a higher level than when Cyclone Bola hit, Gisborne District Council said.
Low-lying residents near the Hikuwai River in Uawa have been asked to prepare to evacuate.
Here's the full statement from the Gisborne District Council:
Heavy rain has arrived on the East Coast with a rain model showing the Hikuwai River could peak at 13.5m at 10pm – exceeding Cyclone Bola levels.
Cyclone Hale has made landfall with gale-force winds, swells up to 6m up the coast and heavy rain.
Low-lying residents near the Hikuwai River in Uawa have been asked to prepare to evacuate, and farmers are encouraged to move their stock to higher ground.
More than 100mm of rain fell overnight in the ranges with Gisborne getting around 40mm. The MetService says the region can expect a further 150mm to 200mm of rain on top of what has already fallen.
Tairāwhiti Civil Defence and Emergency Manager Ben Green says the key messages are to delay travel and keep off the roads if you can.
With more rain still expected on already sodden ground, there could be slips and slumps around the region, he says.
Mr Green says Civil Defence Community Links have been activated in all rural and coastal areas.
Unsealed roads on our roading network will remain closed to heavy freight vehicles until 8pm on Wednesday. This decision will be reviewed tomorrow morning and could be extended further.
Transfer Stations at Matawai, Te Puia, Te Araroa and Tokomaru Bay have been closed until further notice.
Kerbside collection will go ahead today and tomorrow as scheduled however it is advised to hold back your recycling if you can because of high winds.
State Highway 35 will be closed from 7pm tonight between Te Puia Springs and Ruatorea after some roads have slumped.
Contractors are out dealing with sewer manholes bubbling under the pressure in the system. This is caused by a large volume of rainwater in the sewer network coming from properties.
Council 4 Waters Operation Manager Chris Hopman says the emergency valve at the Gladstone Road Bridge has been opened to release the pressure at 8am this morning.
“The Wainui Road pump station is at the highest level we’ve ever seen.
“We ask residents to please avoid unnecessary water use in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
“We need to open the valves into waterways to avoid wastewater overflows into people’s homes and through manholes on the street, which can cause health risks.”
If you have any sewer overflows, land cracks or slipping on your property please call us on 0800 653 800 or take photos or videos and send them to us at service@gdc.govt.nz.
Keep up to date on local road closures on Council’s website.
For State Highway road conditions check the Waka Kotahi website.
Keep an eye on Council's website and the Facebook pages for Council and Tairāwhiti Civil Defence for the latest information.
12:30pm - Another highway in Northland has been closed.
Waka Kotahi said SH15 is closed between Loop Rd, Otaika and Mangatapere, south of Whangarei due to flooding.
Travellers are urged to delay their journey or consider using the detour as this section of road will likely be closed for some time.
11:35am - Tairāwhiti Civil Defence said there are 180 homes without power around the Tauwharepare, Ihungia areas and reports of trees down on power lines.
First alert flood warnings have also been issued for Hikuwai River at Willow Flat and Waipaoa River at Kanakanaia and emergency sewer valves have been opened into the Gisborne's waterways.
Locals are urged to stay out of the sea, as there are currently 3 metre waves and they are expected to reach 6 metres.
All unsealed roads are closed to heavy vehicles until 8pm Wednesday.
There is also a series of road closures in the area. Tiniroto Road is closed just past Waerenga-o-Kuri School with flooding across the road, Kanakanaia Road is closed from the 22km mark due to a slip and Pehiri Road is closed at the 6-8km mark due to flooding, Civil Defence said.
"Our advice is please stay off the roads, heavy rainfall is expected this afternoon. So hunker down and avoid any unnecessary travel – no rubbernecking please," Tairāwhiti Civil Defence said.
"In the city, surface flooding could contain wastewater as manholes are bubbling and popping."
11:30am - A photo shows swells at Pauanui Beach in the Coromandel during high tide.
11:10am - Severe flooding has caused a road in Northland to be closed.
A police spokesperson said in a statement that Kokupu Block Road in Whangārei has been shut due to "severe surface flooding" caused by Cyclone Hale.
Motorists are advised to stay clear of the area until further notice. Police are also advising motorists to avoid travel around Northland unless urgent, as heavy rain continues to batter down.
Residents are asked to stay indoors, and away from the coast, as high tide comes in by 11.15am.
11:00am - Waka Kotahi NZTA said due to a fallen tree, a section of SH1 north of Warkworth is closed.
The highway is closed by L Phillips Rd, Dome Valley.
Motorists are urged to delay their journey or consider an alternative route via SH16.
10:55am - Civil Defence is reminding Kiwis what to do when severe weather hits as Cyclone Hale ramps up.
Heavy rain has already caused surface flooding and slips, with more heavy rain, severe gales, and large waves forecast around many northern and eastern parts of the North Island, Civil Defence said.
Remember:
- Stay up to date by following your local Civil Defence Group's website or social media channels for advice on what to do, MetService for weather updates, and Waka Kotahi for latest road closure information.
- Bring inside or tie down items which could be lifted by strong winds. Bring your pets indoors, ensure livestock are gathered in a safe place and secure boats or boat trailers.
- In severe weather, take extreme care when driving and avoid unnecessary travel.
- Flood water is extremely hazardous so do not drive or walk through it, and never let your kids play in it.
- Kia noho haumaru - stay safe!
10:45am - MetService's updated rainfall totals one area recording over 200mm of rainfall in 18 hours.
The Pinnacles in the Coromandel Ranges have had a total of 219mm of rainfall.
The weather agency also said Whitianga has recorded its 5th wettest January day (9am to 9am) since recording started there in 1987.
10:35am - NIWA Weather has revealed where the most rainfall from Cyclone Hale is predicted to hit.
The predicted totals show the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula is expected to receive the most rainfall with 269mm of rainfall expected by 1pm Wednesday.
NIWA said to expect flooding and slips, especially where the heaviest rainfall occurs and in areas that received heavy rain last week, including the Coromandel and Gisborne Region.
The weather agency also said to expect extremely high river flows and a great risk of flooding in some areas of the North Island through to tomorrow.
10:25am - Flooding has blocked SH25 out of Whitianga.
Waka Kotahi NZTA said due to flooding, a section of SH25 is closed between Opitonui Rd and Owera Rd, east of Coromandel. Travellers are urged to delay their journey or allow extra time for long detours.
10:15am - Footage posted on NIWA's Twitter account shows some big waves in Northland as a result of Cyclone Hale.
10:00am - MetService has updated its weather warnings and watches.
The orange heavy rain warning for Auckland and Northland, south of the Bay of Islands until has been extended by one hour until 7pm. A further 40 to 60mm of rain on top of what has already fallen is expected.
Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay also remain under an orange heavy rain warning.
A heavy rain warning has been issued for the eastern hills and ranges of Wairarapa and Tararua Range for Tuesday night until Wednesday night. Up to 140 mm of rain is expected in these areas and peak rates are predicted to be during Wednesday morning.
A heavy rain watch has been issued for the central North Island hills and mountains, especially about and south of Tongariro National Park from 7pm Tuesday until 10pm Wednesday. MetService said thunderstorms are possible on Wednesday.
Mount Taranaki has also been issued a heavy rain watch for 24 hours from 11pm Tuesday.
Moving to the South Island, MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for Marlborough and Canterbury coast from Cape Campbell to Kaikoura and the Seaward Kaikoura Range from 5am Wednesday until 1am Thursday.
Wind watches and warnings:
An orange strong wind warning has been issued for the Bay of Plenty east of a line Murupara to Opotiki from 1pm until 8pm. Southeast winds are expected to reach severe gale in places, gusting 120 km/h.
A strong wind watch remains in force for Coromandel Peninsula, Great Barrier Island, Auckland, Waikato in the lee of the Kaimai Range. A watch has been issued for Eastern Taupo from 2pm Tuesday until 5am Wednesday.
A new strong wind watch has been issued for Southern Taranaki, coastal Whanganui, Manawatu, especially near the Gorge, Horowhenua, Kapiti and Wellington from 3am Wednesday until 2am Thursday.
9:00am - A photo shows flooding on Tairua Whitianga Road in the Waikato.
8:55am - MetService said the latest track map for Cyclone Hale brings the system southwestwards towards the Hauraki Gulf.
Cyclone Hale is expected to move south over the North Island on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing severe weather to parts of northern and central New Zealand.
8:30am - MetService said the Pinnacles in the Coromandel Ranges received 169mm in the 12 hours up to 8am. Puketawa (Gisborne Ranges) received over 107mm of rain.
8:20am - The Whitianga Ferry service is currently on hold based on the weather conditions and the forecast advising it is to deteriorate over the next few hours, Thames Coromandel District Council said.
The council said kerbside collections for the Eastern Seaboard and Coromandel have also been cancelled for Tuesday.
8:15am - A photo shows the wild sea, not yet at high tide, in the town of Pauanui on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula.
8:05am - Thames-Coromandel District Council is reporting a series of road closures and roading issues across the district due to large slips and flooding.
These include:
- The 309 Rd is CLOSED due to a large slip near the Waterworks (approximately 5km from SH 25, Coromandel end).
- Colville Rd is CLOSED due to a large slip near Amodeo Bay (approximately 10km from the Driving Creek intersection).
- Port Charles Wharf Rd remains CLOSED due to tree fall. We hope to be able to reopen the road today, Tuesday 10 January.
Unconfirmed road issues:
- Reports of flooding Dalmaney Corner – passable but rising
- SH25 Wade Road – starting to flood – passable but rising
- SH25 Coromandel – Te Rerenga, Whangapoua Hill, tree and slip covering half the road half way down Coromandel side of hill
- SH25 Matarangi to Te Rerenga – reports of flooding on the Matarangi side of the Whangapoua turnoff. Impassable.
- Hikuai Settlement Road – Starting to flood – passable but not for long.
8:00am - Tairāwhiti Civil Defence is urging people who must travel to exercise extreme caution on the roads for the next few days.
It comes after emergency services recused people from a vehicle that tried to cross a stream on Monday night. Everyone was successfully rescued.
"We urge everyone to avoid any unnecessary travel and potential risks to lives."
7:35am - Thames Coromandel District council said there are mobile phone outages and the internet is out to 400 homes.
Power outages have also been reported in Whitianga. Powerco said 136 properties are without power, however, the cause is unknown. Earlier the company reported 258 properties without power.
7:00am - An orange heavy rain warning is in force for Auckland and Northland, south of the Bay of Islands until 6pm, with 90 to 120mm of rain expected in the regions.
Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay are also under an orange heavy rain warning with up to 250mm of rain expected in Gisborne.
A strong wind watch is also in force for Coromandel Peninsula, Great Barrier Island, Auckland, Waikato in the lee of the Kaimai Range, Bay of Plenty and Taupo, mainly near the eastern ranges.
Winds reached 107km/h at Channel Island (Colville Channel) and 100km/h at Tutukaka Harbour. Winds on Auckland's Habour Bridge reached 80km/h.
On Monday, Civil Defence urged all residents and holidaymakers to find somewhere safe and secure and be prepared to "hunker down for 24 hours or longer".
"Use the time [on Monday] to stock up on supplies, tie-down outside furniture, clear drains and set up to be safe by dark," Thames Coromandel Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler said. "Over 230mm of rain, severe gales with gusts of over 100km/hr, huge seas and storm surge are all in the mix, so heed the warnings, don't be complacent."
Thames Coromandel Mayor Len Salt said Tuesday will likely dawn with slips, road closures and power outages. Salt urged locals to avoid any travel until they have checked on the road conditions, and to stay off the beaches and away from waterways.
It comes as the Coromandel was also hit by heavy rain and flooding last week, which saw an exodus of holidaymakers.
Tairāwhiti Civil Defence and Emergency Manager Ben Green said the heavy rain will bring more flash floods.
"With the amount of rain we’ve had, the land is saturated and there could be slips around the region," Green said. "We ask everyone to please check their properties and look for any cracks in the ground if you’re on a steep section."
Campers are being encouraged to consider leaving especially if they are by the coast.
South Island weather
The south of the country is in for more fine weather on Tuesday, avoiding Cyclone Hale, but there may be thunderstorms in Southland and the Southern Lakes.
A ridge over the South Island continues to bring weather that is more settled, however, afternoon showers develop about inland parts of the far south, WeatherWatch said.
Nelson and Marlborough may have a bit of a cloudy day. Afternoon cloud builds inland about hills and ranges and isolated showers develop later for the ranges of South Westland and western Otago, showers may become heavy with thunder.
