Flooding in cyclone's wake

Waves flooded coastal properties during high tide at Haumoana, near Hastings, yesterday. Photo / Paul Taylor

Heavy swells whipped up by the downgraded Cyclone Pam pounded the region yesterday, flooding coastal properties and roads.

During high tide at 3am yesterday, swells up to six metres surged over seaside berms and flooded properties in areas such as Clifton and Clive, a Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group spokesman said.

The waves topped the berm at Waimarama Domain, flooding the surf club, and debris was left scattered on nearby roads. Meanwhile, emergency teams were kept busy pumping water out of a house at Haumoana, although the property did not receive substantial damage.

There was also extensive flooding around Clifton Motor Camp.

The camp's manager, Bob Pollock, said the sea had breached the crest into his camp early yesterday morning.

"We were a bit inundated in the extension camp, and water went into a couple of the units, but there was no one in them."

The swell had eased into yesterday afternoon.

"We've had a couple of flops over the top but nothing like last night."

Beach Rd resident Margot Macphail said beachfront houses at Haumoana "got wet" during the surge.

"The swell breached the crest and some houses got wet, emergency crews were out and they pumped water out from around some houses, but as far as I know, no one was evacuated," he said.

"Five to six metre waves usually come over the beach crest."

During the following high tide, about 3.20pm yesterday, the swells were less severe but large waves continued to top the beach crest which had been eroded overnight.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council staff had set up additional pumps to prevent surface flooding and there was heavy machinery opening drainage channels.

Hastings District Council also temporarily closed Clifton Rd as a precaution until the tide turned.

The annual O8OO Sunshade Beach 5's Rugby Tournament had also been postponed until later in the year due to debris and tidal conditions at Ocean Beach. The Emergency Management group's manager, Ian MacDonald, said no more major swells were expected in the wake of the cyclone.

"Hopefully that's Pam gone."

Fine spells are expected today with southwesterly winds, MetService said.

Tomorrow and Friday are also expected to be mainly fine, with maximum temperatures about 19C.