There is no way in or out of the Coromandel this morning, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said. All major arterial roads are closed, leaving the peninsula cut off.
Gale force winds and heavy rainfall have caused major slips, surface flooding and extremely hazardous driving conditions around the East Waikato region.
Waka Kotahi contractors have been working flat out since daylight to start clearing slips to restore access to communities and have been able to open one lane on State Highway 25 (SH25) between Kopu and Thames this morning. Flood waters are still receding there.
The Karangahake Gorge is closed and may be for some time today. State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range on the Bay of Plenty side is also closed.
Across the Waikato there are 20 state highway closures and 26 additional warnings about hazards on highways which signal things like trees down, surface flooding and other obstacles.
Waka Kotahi is advising people to stay home if possible.
Check the Journey Planner (www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz) for the most up to date information on incidents on the state highway network.
Update on Closures in Coromandel and East Waikato as of 10am
SH25 Kopu to Thames OPEN TO ONE LANE
The Kauaeranga Spill Way outside the Thames Airfield is flooded, but traffic management is now in place and the road is open to one lane.
SH25 Thames to Waiomu: CLOSED
A slip has closed SH25 at Ngarimu Bay.
Due to numerous slips, surface flooding, fallen vegetation and detritus on the road, extreme caution is advised on the rest of this section of SH25.
SH25 Coromandel to Kūaotunu: CLOSED
Fully closed due to slips on the Coromandel / Whangapoua Hill and immediately west of Kūaotunu.
SH25 Kūaotunu to Whitianga: COMPROMISED
Stream levels at Wharekaho are fluctuating and extreme caution must be exercised if travelling between Wharekaho and Whitianga.
Due to numerous slips, surface flooding, fallen vegetation and debris on the road, extreme caution is advised on the rest of this section of SH25.
SH25 Whitianga to Tairua: OPEN but essential travel only
A fallen tree is blocking one lane at Whenuakite.
Due to slips, surface flooding, fallen vegetation and debris on the road, extreme caution is advised on the rest of this section of SH25.
SH25 Tairua to Hikuai: CLOSED
Fully closed between Tairua and Hikuai due to flooding. Multiple fallen trees are also blocking the road between the Hikuai River Bridge and Hikuai Settlement Road.
SH25 Hikuai to Whangamata OPEN but essential travel only
Due to small slips, surface flooding, fallen vegetation, and debris on the road, extreme caution is advised on this section of SH25.
SH25 Whangamata CLOSED
A fallen tree is blocking the SH25 Whangamata Bypass. A local road detour is available but is suitable for light vehicles only.
SH25 Whangamata to Waihi: CLOSED
Fallen trees are SH25 at the Whangamata Golf Course.
Due to small slips, surface flooding, fallen vegetation, and debris on the road, extreme caution is advised on the rest of this section of SH25.
SH25A – FULLY CLOSED
Existing slip
SH2 Mangatarata to Paeroa – OPEN but essential travel only
SH2 Paeroa to Waihi inc. Karangahake Gorge: CLOSED
The SH2 Karangahake Gorge is fully closed due to numerous small slips, fallen trees, surface flooding and debris on the road. It will not reopen until areas of concern have been inspected, and initial clean-up operations have been completed.
SH2 Waihi to Athenree Gorge: CLOSED
A fallen tree is blocking SH2 at the Ford Road intersection south of Waihi.
SH26 Tatuanui to Te Aroha: OPEN but essential travel only
SH26 Te Aroha to Paeroa-Tahuna Road: OPEN but essential travel only
A significant amount of water and debris across the road north of Te Aroha.
Due to surface flooding, fallen vegetation and hazards on the road, extreme caution is advised on the rest of this section of SH26.
SH26 Paeroa-Tahuna Road to Paeroa: CLOSED
Closed for operation of flood protection scheme in Paeroa.
SH26 Paeroa to Kopu: OPEN but essential travel only
Due to surface flooding, fallen vegetation and debris on the road, extreme caution is advised on this section of SH26.
SH27 Mangatarata to Te Poi: OPEN but essential travel only
Due to a large number of fallen trees blocking lanes, surface flooding, and debris on the road, extreme caution is advised on the rest of this section of SH27.
SH26 Morrinsville to Tatuanui: CLOSED
Local road detour available
Fallen trees are blocking SH26 at the Murray Oaks reserve immediately east of Morrinsville.
SH29 Kaimai Ranges CLOSED
Closed on Bay of Plenty side of Ranges due to fallen trees.
