Heavy rain and wind warning for the Coromandel for Thursday/Friday
MetService is forecasting heavy rain and gale northeasterlies for the Coromandel from early Thursday afternoon into
Friday morning. We are setting up our Emergency Operations Centre to monitor this weather event and keep an eye out for
flooding and slips.
A rapidly deepening low approaching New Zealand is expected to drop 100-150mm of rain over the Coromandel between 1pm
Thursday and 2am Friday, with peak intensities of 20-30mm/h, especially from the evening.
Northeasterly winds are expected to become severe from Thursday evening until dawn on Friday, gusting to 120km/h in
exposed places.
The combination of strong winds and king high tides in conjunction with the heavy rain may also cause coastal flooding
at streams and rivers, including in the Firth of Thames.
The high tides are due at:
Whitianga
Thursday 4 Jan at 09:16 and 21:33
Friday 5 Jan at 10:10 and 22:28
Thames
Thursday 4 Jan at 09:44 and 22:03
Friday 5 Jan at 10:37 and 22:57
Check MetService for the latest weather forecasts as this weather system develops.
"This is looking like it will be a short, sharp weather event that will pack a punch," says Garry Towler, our Civil
Defence Controller.
"Our message is if you're here in the Coromandel, or planning to come, be prepared for this weather and come already
stocked up with supplies in case you're cut off."
"There is potential for slips, downed power lines and flooding in low-lying areas by streams and in coastal areas," Mr
Towler says.
"If you're camping in a low-lying area, assess your area for potential flooding and consider relocating to higher
ground."
Waikato Regional Council has set up an online hub for rainfall and flood related information to help people more easily
keep up to date with severe weather events in the region.
It can be found at waikatoregion.govt.nz/flood-room
We will post regular updates on our Council's Facebook page as well as on our website and email newsletters.
We'll also include updates on known local Council road closures. If you see a Council road that is impassable due to
flooding or a debris, call us on 07 868 0200. If the issue is with a State Highway (eg, the Thames Coast Road,
Kopu-Hikuai Road) please tell NZ Transport Agency on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team
who can also provide traffic and travel information.
Check NZTA's website before you travel for the latest information about road closures or work underway. You can also use their
journey-planning website www.onthemove.govt.nz to plan the best route for your journey, taking into account known issues and traffic on state highways.
To report a power outage, contact Powerco
MetService is forecasting finer weather after the low passes on Friday and there are plenty of events on in the
Coromandel. Check our What's on in the Coromandel listing.
And, although we're in for heavy rain, we still have a Total Fire Ban in place until at least 8 February, which includes
bonfires and fireworks. See www.tcdc.govt.nz/fire for more information.
The rain should help replenish reservoirs and water tanks, but we're still facing water restrictions due to high use.
See what restrictions apply here: www.tcdc.govt.nz/water