A number of roads have been affected with slips and flooding in the Thames Coromandel area, as rain continues to fall in both the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.

A slips is blocking the eastbound lane of State Highway 25, near Kopu. A traffic management system is in place and people are being warned to drive with extreme care.

Motorists are also being warned of flooding in the Hikuai area.

Flooding has blocked both lanes of SH25, about 1km north of Hikuai Settlement Road, at Duck Creek.

NZTA reports there is also a slip on SH25, between Whalebone Bridge and Ruamahunga. This road is closed.

SH30, Tikitere, in the Eastern Bay is closed due to a large slip

Grenada Street in Tauranga is closed due to flooding.

Tauranga City Council closed the road yesterday and is expected to review whether or not it will open the road today.

Last night, MetService issued a severe weather and thunderstorm warning for the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty, with heavy rain until this evening.

A deepening low pressure system over the Tasman Sea approaches northern New Zealand on Tuesday, then crosses the country during Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a ridge of high pressure on Friday.

This deep low should bring heavy rain to many parts of the country, especially from central North Island to the top of the South Island from Tuesday to Thursday, with strong winds at times.

Flooding in Papamoa. This image was sent in from Manda Brown of flooding at her front door in Bell Road.

Road Closures for the Thames Coromandel area:

• SH25 just north of Waiomu is currently closed between Whalebone Bridge and Ruamahunga due to a slip.
• SH25 Tararu to Kereta – slip - ONE LANE OPEN
• Hikuai Settlement Road flooding – road impassable
• SH25 Prescotts Garage flooding - road impassable
• SH25 Manaia – flooding – but said to be clearing with traffic passing through now
• Wade Road, Whitianga – flooding - was impassable around 3.30 this morning - any updates appreciated
• Road in Waikawau blocked by trees.
• Slip just after the campground in Oamaru Bay blocking most of the road.
• SH 25 2km South Of Blackjack Rd, Kuaotunu - Fallen tree across highway

School Closures:

We have been advised that the Hukuai School is closed today.

Mercury Bay Area School is open, parent teacher interviews have been cancelled. The following buses will not be running today due to flooding and slips:

• Mill Creek
• Tairua/Coroglen
• 309 Road
• Moewai Park
• Kuaotunu

Please check with your school for closures and changes to bus routes and timetables.

Power Outages:

Power has been restored to Coromandel Town and no further outages have been reported.

To check for outages and report faults see www.powerco.co.nz/power-cuts

Tide Times:

Thames:

Wednesday 5 April - High 14:07 3.7m
Thursday 6 April - High 02:41 3.7m
Thursday 6 April - High 15:10 3.6m

Whitianga:

Wednesday 5 April - High 14:05 2.0m
Thursday 6 April - High 02:40 2.0m
Thursday 6 April - High 15:06 2.0m

River Levels:

All river levels are rising, to check current levels see the Waiato Regional Councl website www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/services/regional-services/river-levels-and-rainfall