Surface flooding warning

Heavy rain overnight and today is causing surface flooding on a number of Western Bay of Plenty roads.

Surface flooding is reported on SH2 at Whakamarama, and near Te Puke.

A tree fell across SH2 near Tanner’s Point, blocking both lanes for about an hour before it was cleared by firefighters.

A slip is reported to be blocking one lane of SH29 near the Ruahihi Power Station.

Police are asking all drivers to take extra care and drive to the conditions.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Holmes of Tauranga Police says visibility on SH 29 over the Kaimai ranges is poor due to low cloud and heavy rain. Surface flooding has occurred in several areas and a small slip has come down onto the road near the vicinity of Valley View road. SH29 is passable but Mark urges all drivers to take extreme care.

Flooding has closed one lane of SH 2 at Whakamaramara between Tauranga and Katikati. The flooding is clearly marked with signs and drivers are asked to proceed with care.

Police urge all drivers to reduce speed, increase their following distances and drive with headlights on as the risk of losing control in the wet conditions is high.

There is also flooding in Rotorua on SH36 at Ngongotaha and near Rainbow Springs, and on Hamurana Road. The Te Ngae Road is down to one lane.

The forecast is for heavy rain to continue in Tauranga until mid-day and gradually tail off during the afternoon.