Weather: State highways reopen after flooding and slips in Coromandel

Heavy rain continues to fall in the region with flooding and slips causing multiple road closures in the Coromandel.

A heavy rain warning remains in place for the Western Bay of Plenty and Coromandel until 3pm today.

Over 220mm had fallen at the Pinnacles, 198.5mm at Golden Cross, 105mm at Castle Rock, 67.8mm in Whitianga, 56.2mm in Tauranga and 43.4mm in Whakatāne.

All state highways in the area have reopened including State Highway 25 between Hikuai and Tairua, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said in an update about 12.15pm.

Several other roads remain closed with contractors working to make them accessible, Thames Coromandel District Council said.

“We are still waiting on high tide which could worsen flooding in coastal areas.

“Old Coach Rd remains closed 1.9km from start of the road due to a large slip. Indications at this stage is that the road will remain shut until at least late tomorrow afternoon.

“Geotechnical investigations will be undertaken as soon as possible to assist with progression at this site.”

Latest updates:

• Hikuai Settlement Rd is closed at Prescott’s and roundabout in Pāuanui.
• Wentworth Valley Rd is closed.
• Port Jackson Rd is closed. Ohinewai Ford is closed due to flooding.
• Fletcher Bay Road is closed due to flooding.
• Old Maratoto Rd is closed. Flooding signs are up at ford.
• Kennedy Bay Road is open.
• Tapu Coroglen Rd is open to one lane
• The 309 Rd is open to one lane
• Hot Water Beach Rd is open. Beware of surface flooding
• Colville Rd, Amodeo Bay is open. Take care in surface flooding.

Slip at Kennedy Bay Rd. Photo / Supplied

Meanwhile, the Mauao base track has reopened after heavy sea swells forced its closure.

Tauranga City Council made the decision to close on Wednesday to maintain public safety while heavy sea swells, coinciding with high tide, breached the track.

MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said the wet weather will gradually ease today.

“However, for Friday and the weekend we’re still looking at a wet few days – it’s unlikely to be as persistent but cloudy with periods of rain is still to be expected.

“Overnight temperatures are still relatively warm, in the late teens, cooling down as we head into the start of next week.”