Severe weather in Coromandel

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Severe weather warnings for heavy rain and severe gales remain in the Coromandel area until late Tuesday night. Overnight, 160mm of rain hosed down with a further 200mm expected throughout the day, according to MetService.

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. While surface flooding and slips are also possible making driving conditions hazardous.

Here's what you need to know:
-The Whitianga Ferry service was placed on hold on Tuesday morning with the sea conditions expected to deteriorate.
- There were power outages in 136 properties in Whenuakite.
- Power has now returned to Hot Water Beach.
- Rubbish collections are cancelled today in Whitianga Town, Mercury Bay North and Coromandel Rural North. Thames Coast & Manaia collections scheduled today will continue on at this stage.

Road closures:
- 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 but hoping to open later in the day.

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.

Coromandel authorities are urging residents to stay inside as Cyclone Hale hits the region and stay off the roads. Keep informed with updates on the Thames-Coromandel District Council website.