Thames-Coromandel Civil Defence warns the Coromandel Peninsula is heading into “unknown territory” as the region is left inaccessible to traffic with yet another extended storm.
While the rain eased on Saturday afternoon, it is set to intensify again overnight with heavy falls forecast for tomorrow morning, Sunday 29 January, and expected to continue through to Wednesday 1 February.
MetService has issued a new warning (orange) for the Coromandel from midnight Saturday through to noon on Sunday, a further 70mm to 90mm of rain is expected to fall before 6am Sunday.
The Thames-Coromandel District Council Civil Defence team met with the Waikato Regional Council, MetService and Waka Kotahi on Saturday afternoon.
Council said Metservice forecast maps showed this storm was predicted to extend well into next week, raising further concerns that the catchments may not cope.
Numerous slips, debris and fallen trees were likely to continue to impact the district, with surface flooding likely, especially during the high tide cycles, council said.
“We are heading into unknown territory now,” Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler said.
“This is our third extended storm this year. The impacts on our roading network and coast is already significant and costly, and we still have a few days to go until things ease.
“Everyone needs to take care, be aware of what’s going on and avoid taking risks.”
SH25A Kopu-Hikuai Rd is expected to remain closed for some time after suffering further damage on Friday night with a significant collapse. Council said the road was likely to remain closed for some time.
The Tapu-Coroglen and 309 Roads are also closed, and the rough weather also caused a slip at Rumahanga, closing SH25 between Waiomu and Tapu. There is currently no detour route available.
The Thames Coromandel District Council urged caution from motorists.
“Flood waters have receded at Kennedy Bay, Coromandel, Hikuai, Wades Stream and Dalmeny Corner. The roads are open under traffic management, but extreme caution is urged. We have another 24 to 48 hours to go with this storm, risks remain high and sudden changes could occur on all roads and waterways, so we ask everyone to stay safe and stay off the roads.
“Roading crews are back at the trouble spots, traffic management and temporary road closures are in place along the Thames Coast Road and Whangapoua Hill. There are also reports of debris, mud and rocks coming down in many places around the Peninsula.”
𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀:
SH25a is closed until further notice.
SH25 is closed between Waiomu and Tapu, and Manaia and Te Rerenga.
The 309 and Tapu-Coroglen Roads remain closed.
A minor slip on Colville Rd just north of Oamaru Bay is being managed by a lane closure. Our Council’s contractors expect to have the slip cleared today and both lanes opened.
Keep checking Waka Kotahi/NZTA’s website for updates on State Highways. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/
