Heavy rain continues to lash an already soaked North Island. Severe weather warnings in place for for many areas including Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua. An orange heavy rain warning issued yesterday has now been upgraded to red rain warning for Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Coromandel. Red rain warnings were also in place for Northland, and Gisborne from Tolaga Bay. In the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, in the 24 hours from 9am Wednesday to 9am from 9am Thursday, a further 180 to 240mm of rain on top of what has already accumulated. Peak rates of 25 to 40mm/h in downpours from Wednesday evening, MetService warned.
“A strong and extremely humid northeasterly flow precedes a tropical low that is forecast to approach New Zealand from the north today. Heavy rain, downpours and easterly gales are expected to affect many areas,” MetService said.
“The rain and wind should ease Thursday after the low crosses the country. Red and orange warnings were in force for many areas.”
MetService said conditions will disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities.”
“We can expect 180-240mm of rain, with peak rates of 25-35mm/h. MetService has signalled there is a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning,” a representative from the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group said.
“We know this news might be worrisome, especially to those districts who have experienced significant rainfall in the last few weeks.
“Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, and surface flooding is possible, so if you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings – head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater. Never try to walk, play, swim or drive in floodwater.”
Meanwhile, SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge remains closed.
Roading crews working to clear around 40 slips along the highway have paused work today.
“With weather set to worsen over the day, crews will take a pause, rest, and allow the weather to pass before reassessing the site and resuming clearing work once safe to do so,” NZTA said in an updated statement.
“SH35 remains open, however, it is not a reliable detour route while weather is severe.”
SH2 south of Gisborne and SH5 remained open if people must travel.
Additional crews were on standby to respond to any incidents on the detour routes.
SH2 Gorge slip update
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi SH2 Waioweka Gorge response and recovery controller Rob Service said.
“Keeping our crew safe is paramount. This will allow crews to rest and return safely on Friday to continue recovery efforts over the long weekend.”
Crews have been working from both ends of the SH2 Waioweka Gorge, as there is currently no safe access through the central section, since the slips came down last week.
Damage was extensive, and the full condition of the road and underlying structures remain uncertain until debris can be safely cleared, NZTA said.
“Our contractors are progressing well and continuing to push forward on what is a very large and complex task,” he said in a statement.
“Our focus remains on restoring at least one lane of access. We do not yet know what this will look like or when it will be possible, but we will share updates as soon as we can.”
Ōpōtiki side progress:
Crews remain on track to remove 60 large truckloads of material from what’s called the Goldsmith slip - the first from the Ōpōtiki side and potentially largest (about 110m high and up to 60m wide).
An additional truck was been brought in, with eight trucks and three diggers now active on this side.
Two additional crews were focusing on drainage and opening culverts to reduce the risk of further issues.
Gisborne side progress:
Crews fully cleared two slips on Tuesday.
Work continued on drainage and clearing blocked culverts.
Teams were also supporting vehicle recovery where safe access allows.
NZTA was closely monitoring the upcoming weather system.
The network was already in a fragile state, and there’s a risk that more loose material may come down.
Service said SH35 and SH2 south of Gisborne remained open, but long detours were required.
There’s a significant increase in traffic on SH2 south of Gisborne and large numbers of vehicles through to Bayview.
Travellers should delay travel where possible or allow significant extra time if using SH35 or SH5.
With more wet weather on the way, it’s important people slow down, be patient and drive with care and to the conditions.
A reminder that the Waikare Acrow bridge on SH2 at Pūtōrino, between Wairoa and Napier, is a single lane, priority give way bridge.
People travelling north toward Wairoa would have right of way, NZTA said.
Those heading south toward Napier would need to slow down and be ready to stop at the bridge.
NZTA acknowledged SH2 was the primary connection between Gisborne, Tairāwhiti, and the Bay of Plenty.
There is no short or convenient detour, and the disruption was significant for communities and freight movement.
There are multiple slips along SH2, between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne. Image / NTZA
Meanwhile, in the Coromandel, flooding was being reported on Wade Rd, south of Whitianga. Surface flooding was also reported around the region.
SH25 from Whitianga to Tairua was closed, NZTA reported.
“SH25 is also closed south of Whitianga near Wade Rd. This means Whitianga can not currently be accessed via SH25 from north or south,” NZTA said on Facebook.
“SH25 is closed between Discovery Dr and Simpson’s Beach due to flooding. It is expected to remain closed for several hours.”
Around 200mm to 250mm of rain is expected to fall in the Coromandel Peninsula until 6am on Thursday.
— MetService NZ (@MetService) January 20, 2026
Persistent heavy rain fell around northern areas overnight with parts of Coromandel seeing around a months worth of rain in 12 hours.
The heavy rain drifts southward and the current warnings are at risk of being upgraded to Red Warnings.
Latest: https://t.co/HZ2TSD5rV7 pic.twitter.com/CrjId0EdTC
MetService said there is a high chance the rain warnings will be upgraded to a red warning, particularly for the Coromandel Peninsula and Northland.
Fire alarm siren malfunction
In a post on Facebook, the Thames-Coromandel District Council said 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.
This was not a tsunami alert – there has been no tsunami alert this evening.
We’re aware of the concern and anxiety this may have caused Coromandel Town residents, and can assure everyone that there is no cause for alarm.
FENZ is investigating the issue and fixing it.
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