Highway reopens as severe weather watch issued for Coromandel, Gisborne
Sunday, 21 June 2020
People are being asked to hunker down as heavy rain hits Coromandel and Gisborne.
A severe weather watch has been issued for the two regions, as well as a slice of the Bay of Plenty north of Katikati as a slow-moving low to the northeast of the country brings rain and showers to much of the North Island.
The most persistent falls are likely about the ranges of northern Gisborne, according to MetService.
A major road on Coromandel, State Highway 25, had closed between Hikuai and Tairua, following the heavy rain overnight, but reopened about midday.
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A worker at Prescott's Garages near the scene said the traffic wasn't too bad with most travellers going on to Hamilton and Auckland.
'Only the northbound lane is closed off, so it's not too bad.
'The flooding has cleared up now, but with the paddocks full of water and high tide to come at 6pm, it will probably flood again.'
NZTA Waikato spokesperson Cara Lauder said there had been flooding at a number of locations overnight and there was also a small slip on State Highway 25A over the Coromandel range.
With rain forecast to continue, motorists should expect the unexpected and drive with care, Lauder said.
“Drive to the conditions and watch out for surface flooding, slips and fallen trees or branches. Check your intended route for hazards or disruptions before setting out, using the Transport Agency’s Journey Planner website, and remain alert for unreported hazards.
MetService said although heavy rain that fell overnight eased on Sunday morning, further bursts of heavy rain were likely until late in the evening.
Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria and are likely to continue into Monday.