Weather update #8 - 5 January 2:30pm
(Photo: SH25 - Thames Coast Road - at Thornton Bay. Police photo)
This morning’s high tide has receded and we’re assessing damage from flooding to roads and property.
We're asking people to call 111 if they are in danger. Also: stay off the roads please and don't undertake any
unnecessary travel.
If you can't access your home, seek assistance from your neighbours. Call our Customer Services line on 07 868 0200 to
register your need for long-term welfare support if your home is uninhabitable.
MetService has lifted its heavy rain warning for the Coromandel and is forecasting the strong winds to die down this
evening. However, this evening's high tide around 10:30-11pm may present more flooding.
Here’s what we know:
Thames Coast Road (SH25) is closed between Thames and Manaia due to slips and debris on the road left by the flooding.
SH25 just south of Thames was closed earlier as the Kauaeranga River spillway activated but was expected to re-open once
the high tide receded.
In the Thames area, sandbags are available the Broadspectrum depot on Burke St.
Te Puru Community Hall is open for anyone whose home was flooded or stranded motorists.
Pauanui water treatment plant is closed due to too much turbidity and sediment in the water, which prevents treatment.
We’re asking residents and visitors there to conserve water until we can resume treatment - once the stream runs clear
after the rain eases.
The Whitianga Ferry service is back in operation.
On Council roads, Port Jackson Road is closed north of Urarima Stream (approximately 8.5km north of the Colville Road
intersection) due to the high sea level, however we expect it to be reopened later today once the tide recedes and
debris removed.
Several roads in Thames are closed: Davy Street, Amy Street, Beach Road, Brown Street and Fergusson Drive.
Thames Centennial Pool is closed. We hope to have it open tomorrow.
DOC has confirmed the Pinnacles Hut is open, however there are high winds so care must be taken on the ridge before the
hut. Kauaeranga Visitor Centre strongly advise day walkers not to attempt going to the summit of Pinnacles today. The
road is open with some metal washout but still driveable for two wheel vehicles.
Water supply to Hikutaia has been restored but will take time to build up pressure.
Powerco reports power outages in Colville with expected restoration 3pm and Cooks Beach with expected restoration at
2:30pm. An outage in Opito Bay was expected to resolved at 12pm. Click here for further updates and 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.
We'll also include updates on known local Council road closures here. If you see a Council road that is impassable due to flooding or a debris, call us on 07 868 0200.
The next high tides are due this evening at:
Whitianga
Friday 5 Jan at 22:28
Thames
Friday 5 Jan at 22:57
To report a power outage, contact Powerco.
Check MetService for the latest weather forecasts.
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 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 and
also filtering sediment and silt that will be coming through from this weather event. We will be reassessing the
reservoir levels within the next 24 hours to see if restrictions need to be changed. See what restrictions apply on our
website www.tcdc.govt.nz/water.
Click here to view the events on around the Coromandel and refer to specific sites for cancellation details.