Storm conditions require extreme caution
Published on 10 January 2023
Take great care on the roads today and don’t travel unless it’s absolutely necessary. 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 expecting 150 to 200mm 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.
Huge seas and storm surges are also likely, particularly at high tide due at 10am. Stay off the beaches and away from waterways, they will be dangerous, especially around high tide at 10am.
A number of roads are closed due to flooding and slips. We are providing updates on our web page as soon we get confirmed reports from our roading team assessing the roads. For information about State Highways, please check Waka Kotahi/NZTA’s website.
Our Council’s Whangamatā office has had to close for the day, due to the safety of staff travelling. Our office in Coromandel Town is also likely to have to close.
Kerbside collections due for the Eastern Seaboard and Coromandel today, Tuesday 10 January, have had to be cancelled. These affect:
- Whitianga Town
- Mercury Bay North
- Coromandel Rural North
Residents should bring in receptacles from the kerbside to avoid material being blown away, causing litter. Collections for Thames Coast and Manaia scheduled today will continue at this stage.
Refuse Transfer Stations at Coromandel, Whitianga, Tairua, Pāuanui and Matarangi have had to close for the day.
A few areas such as Hot Water Beach and Whenuakite have been experiencing power outages. Powerco is working to restore connections. There are reports of mobile phone connections being out in some locations.
The Whitianga Ferry has suspended services first thing this morning until it reviews the situation later this morning.
“Weather events like these are good reminder of our Community Response Plans, and making sure we stay connected to our people,” says Mayor Len. “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 ok.”
Find out about our community response plans here.
Keep checking our website, the MetService website, Waka Kotahi and our Facebook page and website for regular updates.