The wild weather from Cyclone Hale is moving down the North Island on Wednesday, with flooding from heavy rain forcing the closure of multiple State Highways.
MetService has multiple heavy rain warnings and severe thunderstorm watches for western, central, eastern and lower parts of the North Island.
Tairāwhiti, under a state of emergency since Tuesday night, has been most impacted by the severe weather. Many Gisborne properties remained without power and some residents were forced to self-evacuate due to rising river levels.
What you need to know:
- A state of local emergency has been declared in Tairāwhiti
- Some Gisborne residents in low-lying areas have self-evacuated due to rising river levels
- The Gisborne town of Tikitiki is cut off and has been uncontactable for hours due to an internet outage
- MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for Wairarapa, Tararua Range and Mt Taranaki. A severe thunderstorm watch is also in place for parts of the central North Island
- Severe flooding and slips have caused the closure of State Highway 35 between Okitu and Ruatoria (Tairāwhiti) while the Coromandel is cut off due to weather impacts on SH25 and 25A.
- To check the conditions of all State Highways, go to the Waka Kotahi website.
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7:23pm - Here's an update from Eastland Wood Council, which says Cyclone Hale has "gutted our region":
The Eastland Wood Council and its members are working closely with the Gisborne District Council and Tairāwhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management on the region's response to ex-tropical Cyclone Hale.
Te Tairāwhiti remains under a local state of emergency, so industry bodies are playing a supporting role but have offered their services and equipment to help with the recovery now the main part of the weather event has passed.
Eastland Wood Council Chief Executive Philip Hope says the industry really feels for those communities who have been impacted by this severe weather event.
"Like everyone, we are gutted that our region has taken another hit from the weather.
"Since Monday our members have been working with the Council and Civil Defence to prepare for the ex-tropical cyclone and undertook precautionary measures, but we've again seen just how powerful mother nature is.
"Our thoughts are with the whanau and communities who have been impacted directly, and for the whole region as this clean-up will no doubt take some time. Our focus is on ensuring the wellbeing of the communities that we operate within and supporting the local authorities on the response and recovery."
EWC members have been out clearing public roads since the weather hit. Assessments of the impact and damage caused are underway, and more work on the ground will happen once roads are reopened and accessible.
"As an industry, we play a vital role in the local economy, and we will play a key role in this recovery and clean-up. We know people are hurting, especially those whanau who have been cut off or have had to move out of home.
"It is important that we understand the source of the debris how it has ended up in the waterways, how this can be further reduced in the future, and this will be a focus in coming weeks and months.
"These events are becoming more frequent and severe. So, once we are through this event, we would welcome the chance to sit down with the Council and look carefully at what we can do together to mitigate the impacts of these weather events, to protect our land, waterways and communities."
5:47pm - Update from Waka Kotahi:
The storm system created by Cyclone Hale has caused flooding and slips on State Highways in the Coromandel, Napier and Gisborne regions.
Contractors continue to work hard to clear and re-open roads, with great progress in the Coromandel this afternoon.
Coromandel:
- State Highway 25 (SH25) remains closed between Tapu and Te Puru due to a large slip at Ruamahunga.
- Contractors are working to clear the site but the road is likely to remain closed overnight.
- SH25 is open between Hikuai Settlement Road and Tairua as flooding has subsided.
- SH25 is open between SH25A and McBeths Road with a temporary speed limit of 50km/h.
- State Highway 25A is now open to one lane past three remaining slips at Kopu Hikuai.
Gisborne:
State Highway 35 is closed between Tolaga Bay and Ruatoria and now open between Te Araroa and Hicks Bay Gladstone Road Bridge Emergency Closure: The bridge is closed from 7pm Thursday night until 6am Friday and again overnight Friday 13.
The closure is required to clear debris beneath the bridge following Cyclone Hale.
Hawkes Bay:
- State Highway 2 is closed between Tangoio and Tūtira. The road will remain closed for the rest of today. This will be reviewed around midday tomorrow.
- State Highway 5 is reduced to one lane in several places due to slips – the road is passable.
Waka Kotahi is urging motorists to stay off affected roads. If they must travel, they should expect the unexpected and stay alert for unreported hazards.
Further damage could occur on the network, even as the weather improves, due to saturated ground and unstable slopes.
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.
4:54pm - SH1 between Mangaweka and Hunterville is closed following flooding. Waka Kotahi is urging motorists to "avoid the area".
4:33pm - Cyclone Hale has torn up Arikihi Rd in Tolaga bay, leaving debris strewn across the road, barriers torn down and brown muddy water washing across the crumbling road.
4:25pm - Drone pictures taken by Napier-based photographer Keagan Klempel show an "insane amount of water" flooding the rivers near Pakowhai Bridge and Brookfields Bridge.
4:01pm - Kiwis up and down the North Island are without power.
PowerCo's website says 29 properties in Whitianga are cut off from power due to fallen trees.
There are 108 properties without power in Stratford, 82 in Whareama/Masterton, 57 in Managapakeha/Masterton, 46 in Kahutara/Martinborough and 18 in Featherston.
PowerCo's website says a site investigation is underway at all locations.
RNZ reports 830 homes in Tairāwhiti are still without power.
3:51pm - Rural areas along the east coast of Masterton have been lashed by a deluge of rain.
This has flooded the Kaiwhata River and roads near Castlepoint, and has brought down large amounts of dirt across roads.
3:25pm - Here's the latest from Tairāwhiti Civil Defence:
- Rain has lightened up considerably and things are expected to improve as the system moves south. Periods of rain set to continue over next three days
- If you need to travel, please take extreme care and be alert for surface flooding, slips, significant dropouts and trees down
- Report any issues to our team on 0800 653 800
- SH 35 remains closed from Tolaga Bay to Ruatoria. Waka Kotahi is making assessments with more information expected around 4pm. This doesn’t mean the road will reopen then
- SH 35 from Hicks Bay to Te Araroa closed due to significant flooding
- SH2 road is clear to Wairoa but is closed between Wairoa and Napier
- 51 local roads are closed around the district, roading crews are working together with Eastland Network to restore power to communities and clear issues
- Road closure scheduled for Gladstone Road Bridge from 7pm Thursday (12 January) - 6am Friday. This is to clear the debris from the bridge abutments
- Rivers around the district continue to drop slowly. Hikuwai River is steadily dropping to below 6.5m first alert level
- Rainfall totals over the 24 hour period: Waikura Valley - 224.5mm, Hikuwai River - 207mm, Mangaheia - 200mm, Ruatoria - 185.5mm, Stout Street - 102.4mm, and Gisborne Airport - 81.4mm
- Power outages across the region with 830 homes still without power. Access is an issue in some areas
- Wastewater network - the emergency valves will continue to be open into the city's waterways as the water recedes. Please avoid using washing machines and reduce water use in the kitchen, laundry and bathroom
- Property owners on hills or near waterways are urged to check their property for cracks or movement
- The State of Emergency remains in place with their focus on restoring power and access to all our cut-off communities, but it may take time.
3:05pm - SH57 has reopened following adverse weather.
It was earlier closed between Tokomaru and Shannon in Manawatū.
2:50pm - Here's an update from Waka Kotahi NZTA on flooding near Picton:
The weather system that has brought torrential rain to the Coromandel Peninsula and East Cape has made its way to the top of the South Island, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Surface flooding is delaying traffic on SH1 at Koromiko, the entrance to Picton from the south, says Tresca Forrester, journey manager for Waka Kotahi.
"This is adding an extra hour to the journey in and out of Picton currently," she says.
SH1 at Koromiko, entrance to Picton and the ferries, has had 99mm of rainfall in the last six hours, leading to surface flooding across the highway.
Waka Kotahi crews are currently managing the site under stop/go and piloting customers down the centre of the road.
Northbound traffic to the ferries is being prioritised.
Road users are advised that delays are up to an hour. The ferry companies are being advised of the situation.
"Crews are continuing to actively monitor the situation," says Forrester. "Please take extra care and allow at least an extra hour for your journey in and out of Picton."
2:35pm - Interislander ferry services have been delayed due to flooding.
Interislander said on its Facebook page there was flooding between Picton and Blenheim, so the road was down to one lane and there are long queues.
The Kaitaki 2:15pm sailing was delayed for 30 minutes and Interislander urges people to drive safely.
2:30pm - ANZ has announced an assistance package for businesses affected by the extreme weather events in Tairāwhiti and the Coromandel Peninsula.
ANZ managing director of business Lorraine Mapu said heavy rain and flooding was causing serious damage.
"Our thoughts are with those dealing with damage and destruction to the community and their businesses," she said.
"We're offering targeted assistance for business customers, like temporary overdraft facilities and the ability to defer loan repayments, to take some of the financial pressure off so people can focus on the bigger issues they are dealing with right now.
"We can also explore a range of other options for customers under financial pressure, and we'd encourage people to get in touch early so we can see how we can help."
The options available for those affected, subject to approval, are:
- Applying for short-term funding to assist them to cope financially with unexpected costs arising from extreme weather
- Suspending or reducing loan principal repayments
- Where the customer meets hardship circumstances, waiving notice period requirements and removal of any interest rate recovery costs associated with early access of Term Deposit funds
- Waiving fees associated with restructuring business loans considered necessary due to impacts of extreme weather
- Waiving fees for term finance and investments which have the potential to improve performance and the ability to respond to climatic variation in future years.
Business customers impacted by flooding are asked to speak to their relationship manager to discuss the impact on their business and their funding requirements. All other customers should contact us on 0800 269269.
The assistance package takes effect from today.
2:10pm - MetService has released its rain radar covering midnight to 12pm today.
"[It] shows that the centre of the low (off the Coromandel then over Waikato) is not necessarily where the heaviest rain occurs - in this case, most rain is south and west of the low's centre," they said.
1:50pm - A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of the central and lower North Island.
"Cyclone Hale will lie slow-moving over the central North Island today, and an associated warm humid air-mass is expected to produce scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms about the central and eastern North Island this afternoon and evening," MetService said.
"Between 2pm and 9pm today (Wednesday), a few of these thunderstorms could be severe about Taumarunui, southern and eastern parts of Taupo, Taihape, eastern parts of inland Taranaki, inland Whanganui, northern Manawatu, Hawke's Bay (mainly inland, and also south of Hastings), Tararua District and eastern Wairarapa, with rainfall rates of 25-50mm/h (or possibly more in one or two places)."
MetService warns that rainfall of this intensity will cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
Driving conditions will also be very hazardous, they say, with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
The thunderstorm activity should die away this evening.
1:15pm - The wild weather has reached the South Island, with road closures in place in Marlborough due to flooding.
The Marlborough District Council says Para Rd in Koromiko is closed, while stop/go signage is in place on State Highway 1 at Mt Pleasant.
1:03pm - Below is an update on the State Highway network from the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi:
Gisborne:
Gladstone Rd Bridge emergency closure: The bridge is closed from 7pm tomorrow night (Thursday, January 12) until 6am Friday and again overnight Friday, January 13. The closure is required to clear debris beneath the bridge following ex Cyclone Hale.
State Highway 35 is CLOSED between Tolaga Bay and Ruatoria and CLOSED between Te Araroa and Hicks Bay.
Coromandel:
State Highway 25 (SH25) is CLOSED between Tapu and Te Puru due to a large slip at Ruamahunga. Contractors are working to clear the site but the road is likely to remain closed for the rest of the day.
SH25 is NOW OPEN between Hikuai Settlement Road and Tairua as flooding has subsided.
SH25 is reduced to one lane between SH25A and McBeths Road due to a slip, but is likely to reopen to two lanes this afternoon.
SH25A is CLOSED due to several slips at Kopu Hikuai. Contractors are working on both sides of the slips at the same time but the road is likely to remain closed for most of th day.
Hawke's Bay:
State Highway 2 is CLOSED between Tangoio and Tūtira. The road will remain closed for the rest of today. This will be reviewed around midday tomorrow.
SH5 is reduced to one lane in several places due to slips - the road is passable.
1pm - Below is MetService's latest extended forecast:
Friday
North Island: Showers gradually easing north of Waikato. Mainly fine for Whanganui, Taumarunui and Taranaki. Partly cloudy with isolated showers elsewhere. South Island: Partly cloudy, with isolated showers mainly about the interior. Widespread showers for Buller and northern Westland.
Saturday
Fine southwest of the North Island, and for the east and far south of the South Island. Partly cloudy with isolated showers elsewhere, widespread for Buller.
Sunday
Fine southwest of the North Island and east of the South Island. Partly cloudy with isolated showers elsewhere.
Chatham Islands
Mostly cloudy, with a morning shower or two on Friday and easing southerlies. Cloud remains through Saturday but some fine breaks are possible in the afternoon.
Partly cloudy on Sunday with a possible shower.
12:35pm - MetService says Cyclone Hale remains "planted over the North Island" this afternoon but rain has eased in the hard-hit Gisborne and Coromandel regions.
"Things settle down around the country in time for the weekend and the majority of the country will grab some sunshine in the coming days," the forecaster said in a statement.
12:25pm - All traces of Cyclone Hale will be gone by tomorrow night, MetService says.
12pm - Below is MetService's latest short weather forecast:
Strong winds and heavy rain associated with Cyclone Hale should ease in most places today.
Northland to Whanganui including central high country, also Gisborne to Wairarapa
Rain or showers with some heavy falls. Thunderstorms and downpours possible today.
Becoming fine tomorrow in the Bay of Plenty, and in the west, south of Waitomo
Manawatū to Wellington
Scattered rain, possibly heavy today, clearing to fine tomorrow, apart from a few showers for Wellington.
Nelson and Marlborough
Periods of rain, possibly heavy about eastern Marlborough until tomorrow morning, then clearing to isolated showers in the west.
Buller to Fiordland
Mainly fine, isolated showers in the afternoons and evenings.
Canterbury, Otago and Southland
Mostly cloudy. Showers becoming widespread today, then gradually clearing and fine spells increasing tomorrow.
Chatham Islands
Cloudy. Rain, possibly heavy, clearing tomorrow.
11:47am - Pictured below is a slip on State Highway 25 on the Coromandel Peninsula, which has cut off Whitianga.
11:26am - Insurance firms AMI, State and NZI say they're expecting more claims to come in as the storm progresses.
"While the impact of these severe storms can be devastating, we are here to help any of our customers who need us," claims executive general manager Wayne Tippet says.
"As New Zealand's largest general insurer, our dedicated major event Response team means we are well prepared to respond to severe weather wherever it may occur across the country. We have our assessors and suppliers on standby across all areas impacted by Cyclone Hale."
11:22am - There's been some damage on Mt Maunganui Beach due to the storm surge.
"A combination of high tides, easterly winds and storm surges have caused damage to sand dunes, and pedestrian, emergency and disabled access to Mt Maunganui Beach," the Tauranga City Council says. "A large amount of organic waste, including logs, has also washed up on Mt Maunganui and Pāpāmoa Beaches.
"With storm surges expected again today, Tauranga City Council contractors will wait until Friday to clean up and make these areas safe again once the risk has passed."
11:11am - The Napier City Council says it's keeping a close on eye on Cyclone Hale, with the storm moving into Hawke's Bay today.
"When rain comes, please try to keep unnecessary car-trips to a minimum," the council said in a statement.
11:05am - More rain is expected in Tairāwhiti for the end of the week and into next, the Gisborne District Council says.
"With the highly saturated land we are asking people to please check their properties for any news cracks or slips and to let us know immediately.
"Please reduce water use as our systems are overwhelmed. If you can delay using your washing machine today it would make a big difference."
10:55am - The Gisborne District Council says a state of emergency remains in place in the region.
"We're asking everyone to please be patient and continue to avoid all unnecessary travel," Civil Defence controller Nedine Thatcher Swann says. "We have multiple road closures, there is still surface flooding and as more people get out and about this morning we are hearing more reports of large cracks in roads.
"Tikitiki is isolated from both ends and the internet is down, so we have been unable to make contact with anyone there for more than 12 hours, this is a priority for our teams today to make a connection to see how they fared overnight."
10:45am - Tairāwhiti Civil Defence is urging Gisborne residents to continue avoiding unnecessary travel.
"State Highway 35 remains closed from Tokomaru Bay to Ruatoria," it said in a statement. "Waka Kotahi is making assessments with more information expected around 11am."
10:30am - Mercury Bay Boating Club commodore Jonathan Kline said last night's high-tide was "particularly devastating" as it saw about three metres of bank in front of the building wash away.
The beach deck of the club, located in Whitianga, was "undermined" and had to be removed this morning.
Concrete banks and sandbags are being put up to try and save the building, Kline said.
"There was utter dejection last night at the high-tide time when we could see what was happening and that our worst fears were in fact coming true," he told RNZ.
Kline said there was a group of volunteers, "even some young children with spades in their hands" trying to help save the building which had been in place since 1997.
He said it was certainly "heart warming" - and much needed right now.
10:20am - In Manawatū-Whanganui, there's a closure on State Highway 57 due to strong winds.
"The road is CLOSED between the intersection with SH56 and Tane Rd," the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says. "[Northbound] travellers please detour via SH56, Tane Rd, then back onto SH57. Reverse for [southbound]."
10:12am - Tower insurance says it's received a small number of claims in relation to ex-Cyclone Hale.
"It's likely some claims may be delayed, as owners holidaying away from their houses won't yet be back home to assess potential damage," Tower chief claims officer Steve Wilson says. "In some cases, families who have evacuated won't have returned home to assess damage yet either so, we are mindful that more claims are coming.
"If your property is damaged and only if it is safe to do so, please take notes and photographs to assist with the claims process. If you rent your property, we recommend you contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible."
9:57am - The below images shows flooding damage on Gisborne's Hill Rd.
9:50am - MetService is warning of "further heavy rain and gale winds", with Cyclone Hale currently lying over Waikato.
The cyclone is expected to move southeast and pass over Gisborne this evening.
9:45am - There are still power outages across the Gisborne region, with 1270 homes without electricity on Wednesday morning, Tairāwhiti Civil Defence says.
"The state of emergency remains in place with our focus on restoring power and access to all our cut off communities, but it may take time.
"If you need any help, phone our team on 0800 653 800."
9:30am - Hale was the first cyclone to make landfall in New Zealand since Dovi in February, NIWA says.
9:15am - A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Taumarunui, Taupō, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatū and Tararua.
"Cyclone Hale will lie slow-moving over the central North Island today and an associated warm humid air-mass is expected to produce scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms about the central North Island this afternoon and early evening," MetService says.
"Between midday and 8pm today (Wednesday), a few of these thunderstorms could be severe about Taumarunui, southern and eastern parts of Taupo, Taihape, eastern parts of inland Taranaki, Whanganui (mainly inland), northern Manawatū, Hawke's Bay (mainly inland, and also south of Hastings) and northern parts of the Tararua District, with rainfall rates of 25-50mm/h (or possibly more in one or two places).
"Rainfall of this intensity will cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys and may also lead to slips."
9am - The Thames-Coromandel District Council is carrying out emergency water shutdowns in Matatoki, Hikutaia, Omahu and surrounding areas.
"Residents either have no water or low pressure. With the increased rainfall, the Matatoki intake and Omahu filters are blocked and need servicing," the council said in a statement. "Operators are busy at the sites. We hope to have it fixed as soon as possible."
8:45am - Below is an update from the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on weather-related road closures:
Gisborne:
State Highway 35 remains CLOSED between Tolaga Bay and Ruatoria.
There is extensive flooding in the area and this section of the highway is likely to remain closed for some time.
Coromandel:
State Highway 25 is CLOSED between Tapu and Te Puru due to a large slip.
SH25 is CLOSED between Hikuai Settlement Road and Tairua due to flooding.
SH25 is reduced to one lane between SH25A and McBeths Road to a slip.
State Highway 25A is CLOSED due to multiple slips.
Napier:
State Highway 2 is closed between Tangoio and Tūtira.
State Highway 5 is reduced to one lane in several places due to slips - the road is passable.
"Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency contractors are out inspecting the network and responding to any slips and fallen trees," it said in a statement.
"There is still significant flooding across the network which is hampering our contractors getting around.
"Waka Kotahi is urging motorists to stay off affected roads. If they must travel, they should expect the unexpected and stay alert for unreported hazards.
"Further damage could occur on the network, even after rainfall stops, due to saturated ground and unstable slopes.
"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."
8:30am - Cyclone Hale's centre is now circulating over the Awhitu Peninsula, Hauraki Gulf Weather says.
8:18am - Heavy rain that hit the Coromandel on Tuesday and overnight has caused the peninsula to be cut off.
State Highway 25 is closed from Coromandel to Thames due to a slip between Tapu and Te Puru, the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says.
SH25A between Kopu and Hikuai is also being blocked by a slip.
Meanwhile, flooding has closed SH25 between Hikuai Settlement Rd and Tairua.
8:15am - Hikuwai in the Gisborne region recorded 156.5mm of rain in the 12 hours to 7am, MetService says.
8am - The Whitianga ferry is back operating again today after being cancelled on Tuesday due to the wild weather, the Thames-Coromandel District Council says.
7:53am - In Hawke's Bay, State Highway 2 between Tangoio and Tutira remains closed due to slips - with no detour route available.
There's also severe weather damage on SH2 at Raupunga, with temporary traffic lights and 30km/h speed restrictions in place.
The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is advising caution on all of the region's State Highways due to the adverse weather conditions.
7:45am - In Northland, meanwhile, severe weather warnings for the region were lifted on Tusday night.
"With the main rain band of Cyclone Hale moving away from Northland and the rain easing, the heavy rain warning for Northland has been lifted by MetService New Zealand shortly after 7pm tonight," Civil Defence said.
"However, the hazards resulting from this weather event will continue tonight and into tomorrow - river levels will take time to recede and ground conditions remain saturated, in turn leading to potential slips and falling trees."
7:30am - Below is list of roads in the Gisborne region that remain closed or are only accessible by 4WD vehicles.
7:15am - RNZ is reporting about 30 people were evacuated from the Tolaga Bay area overnmight.
7am - Lower areas of the North Island are set to be hit by the wild weather on Wednesday, with orange heavy rain warnings in place for Wairarapa and the Tararua Range.
6:48am - Below is last night's full statement from the Gisborne District Council, declaring the state of emergency.
A state of local emergency was declared by Deputy Mayor Josh Wharehinga for Tairāwhiti at 10pm.
Ex Tropical Cyclone Hale made landfall around lunchtime today with gale-force winds, swells up to 6m up the coast and heavy rain.
State Highway 35 is closed between Okitu at Sirrah Street through to Ruatorea.
MetService predicts a further 30 - 50mm of rain, in addition to what has already fallen.
Peak rates are estimated around 15 - 20 mm/h, with thunderstorms and heavy falls possible during Wednesday morning.
There are around 20 local roads closed and contractors will start work to restore access first thing in the morning.
The sewer network is overwhelmed and emergency valves are open in several locations into the city's rivers to avoid overflows on private property.
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 the council's website.
For State Highway road conditions check the Waka Kotahi website.
6:46am - Ex-tropical Cyclone Hale is showing signs of weakening but still won't properly clear away until about midnight, WeatherWatch says.
6:45am - Below is the latest rain radar from MetService.
6:30am - Tairāwhiti Civil Defence says conditions are dangerous across the Gisborne region and is urging people to stay off the roads.
"Contractors will start work on reopening roads in the morning with priority for cut-off communities," it said in a statement on Tuesday night.
"The city's sewer network is overwhelmed with emergency valves open in several locations into... rivers to avoid overflows on private property.
"[There are] power outages across the coast, 387 residents in Matawai are without power overnight as it's too dangerous for crews to check on site."
