Heavy rain warning for the Coromandel

Julie Kaio Reporter from Hauraki Herald

Here's the latest from Thames-Coromandel District Council:
A severe weather warning from MetService has been issued for heavy rain for the Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty on Saturday.
"We are about to get a soaking this weekend with up to 120mm of rain expected to fall from around late morning Saturday through into Monday," says our Civil Defence Controller, Garry Towler. "Rainfall rates may reach 20mm an hour at times with strong easterlies, so lets get prepared."
MetService report a front is forecast to move over the upper North Island tomorrow. Rain is expected to become heavy and accumulations are expected to reach 100 - 120mm, and rates may reach up to 20mm an hour.
"With school holidays coming to an end it is important you plan for safe travel for those heading home out of our district," says Mr Towler. "Heavy rain often results in slips which can affect the roading network and driving may be hazardous, so if you are heading home it may be wise to plan to travel before the weather hits."
Check NZTA's website before you travel for the latest information about road closures or work underway. You can also use their journey-planning website www.onthemove.govt.nz... to plan the best route for your journey, taking into account known issues and traffic on state highways.
We'll also include updates on known local Council road closures. If you see a Council road that is impassable due to flooding or a debris, call us on 07 868 0200. If the issue is with a State Highway (eg, the Thames Coast Road, Kopu-Hikuai Road) please tell NZ Transport Agency on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can also provide traffic and travel information.
"Council contractors are out checking storm water outlets, however there is a high possibility of localised flooding," says Mr Towler. "Please take a few minutes to check your own storm water outlets and clear leaves if they are likely to block drains close to houses."
There are also a number of events on this weekend including the Great Cranleigh Kauri Run. See our events newsletter here and follow the events official channels and websites for updates.
This warning will be updated this evening at 9pm. Check MetService for the latest weather updates.