People living in low lying areas of the Western Bay of Plenty are being urged to evacuate their homes as soon as possible, and in daylight hours.

The storm surge is predicted to be at 2.5m higher than normal along the coast and 0.8m in Tauranga Harbour.

Areas identified below this level and which may be most affected are:

• Waihi Beach
• Bowentown inner harbour
• Athenree
• Ongare Point
• Little Waihi
• Maketu
• Pukehina Beach
• Matakana Island

'Residents should self-evacuate with their pets, to friends or family in other areas,” says an Emergency Operation Centre spokesperson.

'They should avoid driving long distances if possible, and take their get-away kits: medication, warm clothing, water and food for three days, basic first aid supplies and important documents.”

If you do not have a safe place to go to nearby, head to one of the following welfare centres for shelter:

• Omokoroa Community Church: 139 Hamurana Rd
• Waihi Beach RSA: 99 Beach Road
• Katikati War Memorial Hall: Main Road, Katikati
• Tuapiro Marae: Hikurangi Road
• Pongakawa Hall: 956 Old Coach Rd
• Maketu School: 8 School Road
• Matua Hall: 110 Levers Road, Matua

The welfare centres will only be able to welcome pets if they are in a cage.

'If you decide to self-evacuate please register with your council so we can keep in touch with you.”

To register contact the Western Bay of Plenty District Council by calling 07 571 8008 or 0800 WBOPDC or email customerservice@westernbay.govt.nz

For Tauranga City Council call 07 577 7000 or email info@tauranga.govt.nz

A live map has been set up to show road closures and known incidents such as slips, and flooded areas, along with open welfare centres at http://arcg.is/1mLTTj