Weather watch, the latest from TCDC

Julie Kaio Reporter from Hauraki Herald

The Coromandel is on a full weather alert with the high possibility that Cyclone Cook will make landfall on the Coromandel in the next 24 hours.

Civil Defence is advising everybody to stock up on the supplies and medication today that will last at least 3 days.

"Everyone needs to be in a safe place and be prepared to sit it out for 24 hours or more," says Thames Valley Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler.

"Those planning to travel to or from the Coromandel from tonight through to Saturday, please delay your travel as the liklihood of slips and road closures is very high," says Mr Towler.

Residents need to be prepared for:
Flooding - the Coromandel is saturated from previous weather events
Multiple slips and debris flow (floods on steroids)
The likelihood of power loss
Road closures - both local Council roads and NZTA State Highways

Those in low lying coastal areas may see large waves of 5 metres or more and storm surges. The storm surge will impact beaches, rivers and estuaries.

"The beaches and rivers will be dangerous places to be in the next few days especially with the high level of water table saturation and the amount of debris that could wash down into the tributaries," says Mr Towler.

Thames
Wed 12 April - 20:22 - 3.9 m
Thurs 13 April - 07:54 - 2.8 m and 21:02 - 3.9 m
Fri 14 April - 08:35 - 2.8 m and 21:40 - 3.9 m
Sat 15 April - 09:53 - 2.8 m and 22:17 - 3.7 m

Coromandel
Wed 12 April - 20:18 - 2.8 m
Thurs 13 April - 08:31 - 2.8 m and 20:58 - 2.8 m
Fri 14 April - 09:11 - 2.8 m and 21:36 - 2.8 m
Sat 15 April - 09:49 - 2.7 m and 23:13 - 2.7 m

Whitianga
Wed 12 April - 20:19 - 2.0 m
Thurs 13 April - 08:36 - 2.0 m and 21:00 - 2.0 m
Fri 14 April - 09:16 - 2.0 m and 21:41 - 2.0 m
Sat 15 April - 09:56 - 2.0 m and 22:21 - 2.0 m