Ex-Cyclone Hale is set to become a one in 20-year storm event after MetService forecast 400mm of rain for Coromandel before 10pm tonight.
Thames-Coromandel District Council said while the cyclone was set to begin easing off tonight and through tomorrow, the district could expect widespread surface flooding, slips, storm surge, and road closures to continue.
Thames-Coromandel Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler also advised the public to take care.
“We have another six to eight hours of this cyclone at its current intensity, so the message to everyone is stay off the roads and beaches for your own safety – it’s dangerous,” he said.
There have been reports of power outages in Kōpū, Ōpoutere, Whenuakite, Hot Water Beach, Whitianga, Waiau and Whangapoua today, with around 900 households in total affected. PowerCo was working to restore connections, council said.
Mayor Len Salt earlier said weather events like this were a “good reminder” of council’s Community Response Plans for the district and ensuring the public stay connected.
“Our Community Response Plans is where locals come up with initiatives and ways to make sure elderly, physically challenged, those isolated geographically or not connected are checked in on to make sure everyone is okay,” he said.
Council was also advising residents to bring in rubbish and recycling bins from kerbsides to avoid material being blown away.
Collections for Thames Coast and Manaia scheduled today will continue at this stage, but kerbside collections due for the Eastern Seaboard and Coromandel today have had to be cancelled and refuse transfer stations at Coromandel, Whitianga, Tairua, Pāuanui and Matarangi have had to close for the day.
For more updates visit council, MetService and Waka Kotahi (NZTA) websites and the council Facebook page.
ROADS – LATEST UPDATE: Tuesday 10 January
– The 309 Rd remains closed due to a large slip near the Waterworks. The original slip was cleared however additional material has since come down. Estimated opening time is a few hours away.
– Colville Rd remains closed due to another slip near Amodeo Bay. The closure is expected to remain in place most of the day.
– Port Charles Wharf Rd remains closed due to tree fall. Road is expected to be opened shortly.
– Hikuai Settlement Rd is closed due to surface flooding.
– Hot Water Beach Rd is closed due to surface water flooding.
– Waka Kotahi has advised a section of SH25 is closed due to flooding between Opitonui Rd and Owera Rd, about a kilometre east of Te Rerenga. Please delay your journey or allow extra time for long detours. Check for updates and details Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Waikato BoP
Unconfirmed road issues:
– Report of a Pine Tree down on SH25 (which is managed by Waka Kotahi) on the way into Whangamatā. Waka Kotahi has been notified – look for updates on Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Waikato BoP or visit https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/waikato/
– Report of a slip down from 1071 Purangi Rd, Flaxmill Bay on the seaward side. A small cliff and a pohutukawa have slipped, undermining the footpath and 1.5m away from the road.
– 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.
Update 9am
– Hikuai Settlement Rd is CLOSED due to surface flooding.
– Hot Water Beach Rd is CLOSED due to surface water flooding
– 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.
Update 7.10am
Confirmed 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. We hope to be able to reopen the road today, Tuesday 10 January.
Unconfirmed road issues:
– Report of a slip down from 1071 Purangi Rd, Flaxmill Bay on the seaward side. A small cliff and a pohutukawa have slipped, undermining the footpath and 1.5m away from the road.
– 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.
Power Outages:
There have been reports power outages at Hot Water Beach and Whenuakite which Powerco is working on.
Update 6.50am Tuesday
Take great care on the roads today. Cyclone Hale has slowed somewhat overnight but is still tracking with full force directly onto the Coromandel, bringing rain and strong east to southeast winds to many areas.
Severe weather warnings for heavy rain and severe gales are in force until late Tuesday night. We’re told to expect 150 to 200 mm of rain, with peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h on Tuesday afternoon.
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
ROAD UPDATE
– 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. We hope to be able to reopen the road today, Tuesday 10 January.
