Key Takeaways:
- A strong and humid northeasterly flow is expected to bring heavy rain, downpours, and easterly gales to many areas of New Zealand.
- Red and orange warnings are in force for many areas, with a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning.
- Travel disruptions, road closures, and surface flooding are expected, with crews working to clear slips and debris.
- The Coromandel Peninsula and Northland are expected to receive around 200mm to 250mm of rain, with a high chance of red warning upgrades.
- NZTA is monitoring the weather system and advising travelers to delay travel or allow significant extra time.
Introduction to the Weather System
A strong and extremely humid northeasterly flow is preceding a tropical low that is forecast to approach New Zealand from the north. MetService has warned that heavy rain, downpours, and easterly gales are expected to affect many areas, with red and orange warnings in force. The rain and wind are expected to ease on Thursday after the low crosses the country. However, the news is worrisome, especially for districts that have experienced significant rainfall in the last few weeks.
Expected Weather Conditions
MetService has predicted that the rain will be heavy, with 180mm to 240mm expected, and peak rates of 25mm/hr to 35mm/hr. The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has warned that streams and rivers may rise rapidly, and surface flooding is possible. The organization has advised people to head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater if they see rising water, and never to try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater. The expected weather conditions are likely to cause significant disruptions, and residents are advised to be prepared for the worst.
Travel Disruptions and Road Closures
The weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel, with many roads likely to be impassable due to surface flooding, slips, and fallen trees. The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence has advised people not to travel unless it is an emergency, and to check with NZTA or their local council website for any road closures. SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge remains closed, and roading crews have paused work due to the worsening weather. SH35 remains open, but it is not a reliable detour route while the weather is severe. SH2 south of Gisborne and SH5 remain open, but additional crews are on standby to respond to any incidents on the detour routes.
Road Clearing Efforts
NZTA has been working to clear around 40 slips along the highway, but crews have paused work due to the weather. The organization has stated that keeping roading crews safe is paramount, and they will resume clearing work once it is safe to do so. Crews have been working from both ends of the SH2 Waioweka Gorge, as there has not been safe access through the central section since the slips came down last week. The damage is extensive, and the full condition of the road and underlying structures remains uncertain until debris can be safely cleared. NZTA is focusing on restoring at least one lane of access, but it is unclear when this will be possible.
Progress on Clearing Slips
Crews have made progress on clearing slips, with 60 large truckloads of material removed from the Goldsmith slip on the pōtiki side. An additional truck has been brought in, with eight trucks and three diggers now active on this side. Two additional crews are focusing on drainage and opening culverts to reduce the risk of further issues. On the Gisborne side, crews have fully cleared two slips, and work continues on drainage and clearing blocked culverts. Teams are also supporting vehicle recovery where safe access allows. NZTA is closely monitoring the upcoming weather system, as the network is already in a fragile state, and there is a risk that more loose material may come down.
Flooding in the Coromandel
In the Coromandel, flooding has been reported on Wade Rd, south of Whitianga, with surface flooding also reported around the region. SH25 from Whitianga to Tairua is closed, and NZTA has reported that Whitianga cannot currently be accessed via SH25 from north or south. Around 200mm to 250mm of rain is expected to fall in the Coromandel Peninsula until 6am on Thursday, with a high chance of red warning upgrades. MetService has warned that the rain warnings may be upgraded to a red warning, particularly for the Coromandel Peninsula and Northland.
Fire Alarm Siren Malfunction
In a separate incident, the Fire and Emergency NZ fire alarm in Coromandel Town malfunctioned on Tuesday evening, causing it to sound continuously for about five minutes in a steady tone. The Thames-Coromandel District Council has assured residents that there is no cause for alarm, and FENZ is investigating the issue and fixing it. The malfunction was not a tsunami alert, and residents can rest assured that there is no threat to their safety. The council has apologized for any concern and anxiety caused by the malfunction and is working to prevent such incidents in the future.
