The latest from TCDC - 3.30pm

Julie Kaio Reporter from Hauraki Herald

Heavy rain combined with strong winds and a powerful storm surge may cause landslips, fallen trees and power lines and inundate low-lying coastal areas as Cyclone Cook arrives late this afternoon and early evening. Beach-front areas and estuaries which have experienced flooding in previous storms are at risk, and people in such areas have been asked to evacuate.

Our Mayor Sandra Goudie declared a Civil Defence emergency for Thames-Coromandel District, and Civil Defence is advising against travel to the Coromandel until Saturday given the severity of the storm. If you’re already here, don’t travel this afternoon and evening if you can avoid it.
“Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee called me last night and said if we needed any help I should call him,” Mayor Sandra says. Coromandel Member of Parliament Scott Simpson, in Wellington, had also expressed his support, Mayor Sandra says.
Three Defence Force Unimog vehicles plus personnel have been deployed to the Coromandel and are stationed at Thames, Tairua and Whitianga, at the fire stations, to assist if necessary.
Check our TCDC Facebook page for the latest updates on district roads, check NZTA’s website for State Highways , and go to www.metservice.com... for the latest weather forecast.
“We have a high degree of confidence that we have reached as many people as possible to leave the Coromandel, or go to safe ground or stay with family and friends,” says Thames Valley Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler.
Mr Towler says Powerco reports a noticeable decrease in power use, an indication that people have heeded the Civil Defence warning to avoid coming to the Coromandel in what would usually be a busy time for the Easter long weekend.
Civil Defence welfare centres are in operation for those seeking shelter, or just information:

• Coromandel St John Ambulance - 355 Tiki Road Coromandel
• Whitianga Town Hall – 22 Monk Street Whitianga
• Tairua Hall – 210 Main Road Tairua
• Whangamata Town Hall - 326 Port Road Whangamata
• Thames Civic Centre - 200 Mary Street Thames

Companion pets can be taken to all these shelters but must be under the owner’s control at all times.

Here is the latest update on roads and flooding as of 3pm Thursday.

SH25 - Thames Coast Road - is closed between Tararu and Preeces Point.
Colville Rd – Open to single lane at various places due to slips and vegetation
Te Kouma Rd – Open to single lane at various places due to slips
Waiomu Valley Road Ford is impassable due to flooding
Victoria No.2 Ford is impassable due to flooding
A report of a large pine tree at the summit of Port Charles Road in danger of falling across the road is being assessed.
Employers are being asked to consider the safety of their employees, especially if they have to travel some distance to go home, and consider letting staff go home early today.

“We want people to be off the roads before the rain really starts coming in from early this afternoon. Peak intensities are expected from this evening," says Waikato Civil Defence Group Controller Lee Hazlewood.