12pm update: Police advise that the Kopu-Hikuai Road along the State Highway 25 is closed due to flooding.

Currently there are no diversion via the Tairua area, and flooding is expected to rise further due to high tides.

The MetService warning is in place until 6pm tonight with high tide at 14.52pm today.

The Kopu Hikaui Road will be closed for some time, and motorists are advised to check the NZTA website for up to date information on road closures.

Police ask that motorists avoid any non-urgent travel and amend travel plans accordingly.

Flooding across paddocks next to SH25. Photo: Abby Morris

11.15am update: Due to flooding, State Highway 25 between Tairua and Hikuai is now closed until further notice.

Motorists are advised to delay their journey if possible or use an alternate route. Access to Tairua is available via Coromandel township.

Earlier 11am: A large tree has fallen on the State Highway 25 - Manaia Rd in the Coromandel.

Contractors are working on this and the road is now open to one lane with stop/go traffic management in place, along with various other sites across the State Highway network.

Motorists are advised to be mindful of contractors who could be out clearing hazards off the road and drive slowly through work sites.

'If you're planning on travelling from the Mercury Bay Area, we urge you check NZTA's website first as there is a high possibility the SH25 network will be closed at Prescott's Garage, Hikuai shortly,” says Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler. 'There is a lot of water coming down and our streams are rising rapidly.

"There has already been a considerable impact on our roads and with high tide approximately 3pm this afternoon, people need to be prepared for considerable delays and be prepared to stay until the last band of rain clears later this evening.”

The MetService warning is in place until 6pm tonight with high tide at 14.52pm.

The Tairua and Pauanui Refuse Transfer Stations are closed today.

"Staff are unable to get to and return home safely from our Tairua and Pauanui RTS sites due to the conditions, therefore will be not be opening today," says a Thames-Coromandel District Council spokesperson. "We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. These are both 24/7 drop-off facility for pre-paid Council rubbish bags and recyclables if you are leaving this area before your collection day.

"A reminder that today is a public holiday so Kerbside collections are one day later this week. Please don't put your bins and bags out until the morning of your collection day."

Earlier, 9am: Residents of the Thames-Coromandel District Council area have been advised this morning to plan ahead and expect delays if travelling today.

'Since we sent out our last update, we have been advised if you need to get home it is safe to do so this morning - however plan ahead, expect delays and drive with caution,” says a council spokesperson.

The MetService warning is in place until 6pm tonight with a 2 metre high tide expected at 14.52pm.

'As expected, we've been hit with some heavy wind and rain resulting in surface flooding and slips making driving conditions hazardous.

'State Highway 25 is open at this stage, however there are various slips and debris on the roads across the District, particularly Kopu-Hikuai and Tairua-Whitianga,” says the council spokesperson.

Motorists in the region are advised to drive to the conditions and watch out for surface flooding, slips and fallen trees or branches. It's also recommended that drives check their intended route for hazards or disruptions before setting out, using the Transport Agency's Journey Planner website, and remaining alert for unreported hazards.

'Please also be mindful of contractors who could be out clearing hazards off the road and drive slowly through work sites. We want to see everyone get home safely,” says a council spokesperson.

'If you see a Council road that is impassable due to flooding or a debris, call us on 07 868 0200. If the issue is with a State Highway (eg, the Thames Coast Road, Kopu-Hikuai Road) please tell NZ Transport Agency on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can also provide traffic and travel information.”

Rangihau Road in Coroglen is closed due to a large slip located roughly 5km up the road. It is expected that the road will be open to one lane by 3pm today.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council is asking residents and visitors of Tairua to please be conscious of the water they're using and minimise wastage where possible.

'With the heavy rain over the weekend, the rivers are carrying a lot of sediment which means the water treatment plant has to work hard to treat the water,” says a council spokesperson. 'The volume of safe, clean drinking water that can be produced when the sediment load in the rivers is high, is lower than under normal circumstances.

'We have also had a water break in the Paku Drive area, so until the team have finished repairing this pipe, this is also reducing the available water for our customers.

'We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your cooperation.”

In weather events, it's always important to stay informed.

Check MetService for the latest weather forecasts on this weather system across the Coromandel peninsula.

Check NZTA's website before travelling, for the latest information about road closures or work underway. You can also use their journey-planning website www.onthemove.govt.nz to plan the best route for your journey, taking into account known issues and traffic on state highways.

Red Cross Hazards App - alerts about hazards. Download from the App Store or Google Play.

Local radio – Check Thames and Coromandel stations and frequencies here.

Emergency Mobile Alert - these can be sent to your mobile phone, without needing to download an app or sign up. Check if your phone is capable of receiving them, here

Know your neighbours - phone each other, especially vulnerable people, to check if they're OK.

The Waikato Regional Council Floodroom Live has been activated - click here for up to date event details and river and rain fall levels.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council will post regular updates on the Council's Facebook page as well as on their website and email newsletters.

Also follow Waikato Civil Defence on Facebook here and check out their website for updates here.

To report a power outage contact your provider, however to get further information on power outages see Powerco's webiste.

For more on these channels, and other information about staying informed in emergencies, go to the Civil Defence "Never Happens" website.