The Hauraki District is in a state of emergency as ex-cyclone Gabrielle lashes the area.
The floodgates at Tararu have already been closed, and the Waikato District Council has outlined a number of other measures being prepared. Some will possibly happen overnight.
- The spillway at Thames on State Highway 25 may be put into operation, as the Kauaeranga River reaches its maximum height just up river from the bridge. The spillway will divert river water over SH25 south of Thames.
- SH2 through the Karangahake Gorge will likely be closed overnight.
- The Criterion Bridge floodgates in Paeroa on SH26 may be closed. If these gates are closed it will be the first time they have been used since they were installed in 2018. Stoplogs may also be placed on the other entrance to the bridge.
- There is likely to be high water flows throughout the Thames flood protection schemes.
See hauraki-dc.govt.nz or tcdc.govt.nz to keep up to date.
