MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for the Coromandel from 3am today.
The advisory runs until Monday afternoon. Up to 200mm of rain is expected, with peak rates expected from Sunday evening.
“Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous,” MetService said.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency warned drivers to drive to the conditions during the heavy weather.
“Many locations on the Coromandel network are still compromised following this year’s storm events and drivers need to be aware that heavy rain will increase the vulnerability,” Waka Kotahi journey manager Liam Ryan said.
“There are two different weather systems expected to hit the Coromandel. First one on Sunday with another potential front on Wednesday next week. Two periods of heavy rain in close succession will affect catchments and ground conditions.”
Drivers should expect surface flooding around the usual spots in Hikuai and at Wades Culvert in Whitianga. There may also be deterioration at existing slip sites or the formation of new slips.
Waka Kotahi advised the overnight closure at Kereta Hill on State Highway 25 would not go ahead in the event of significant rainfall. Further information will be released on Monday regarding this work.
