A severe weather warning is in force from 9am Wednesday through to 3am Thursday. Authorities are being unambiguous: prioritise safety, take no unnecessary risks, and act quickly if water levels begin to rise. People are urged to stay out of floodwater entirely, whether on foot, in a vehicle, or otherwise. Non-essential travel should be postponed, pets brought indoors, and livestock moved to higher ground where possible. Residents are also advised to keep a grab bag within easy reach and to be prepared to evacuate if required.
A precautionary state of emergency has been declared across the Thames-Coromandel district.
The scale of the rainfall is already visible on the ground. In Whangamatā, the local golf course has been inundated, rapidly becoming an unwanted water feature as rain continues to fall. Emergency services are on standby across the region. Anyone in immediate danger should call 111.
For boaties, caution is critical. Unless there is an absolute need to be on the water, this is not a day for it. Tender trips should be avoided where possible. For those living aboard, staying on your vessel may actually be safer than moving ashore, provided conditions do not worsen and no official advice to evacuate is given.
RNZ shared footage earlier today as rising water began cutting off roads across the region.
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Boating New Zealand is collecting information from the water and shoreline. Anyone with photos, damage reports, or first-hand accounts from the Coromandel, Auckland or Northland is encouraged to get in touch by emailing ahoy@boatingnz.co.nz.
