Powerco field crews are working to get power restored to about 600 customers in and around Whitianga, Coromandel and Whangamata following heavy rain overnight.

Road closures due to flooding in the affected areas were hampering efforts for some crews to get to affected sites, says Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh.

'Field crews are trying to get to areas affected by power cuts and get your power back on as quickly and safely as possible. Thank you for your patience.”

Power to several hundred customers in affected areas has already been progressively restored this morning as field crews have been able to gain access.

Just before 6am, power was restored to 6064 customers in Whangamata after a slip caused by flooding cut supply to the main line supplying the town about 3.30am.

'Landslips following rain can bring down power poles and lines and power lines can kill. Keep yourself, children, pets or livestock well clear of downed power lines and treat all lines as live at all times,” says Phil.

'If you see a downed power line, call emergency services on 111 immediately.”

Here's an update on some water, power and rubbish collection issues.

Due to power outages and heavy rain some of the pump stations at the wastewater treatment plants are under pressure and the council is asking people not to flush toilets if they can help it in Tairua, Pauanui, Onemana and Whangamata .

Meanwhile, rubbish collection trucks are unable to get to Coromandel Town and surrounds, as well as Thames and Thames Coast and Manaia due to flooding so expect that your rubbish may not get collected today.

"If that is the case we will arrange another pick up as soon as possible. Refuse Transfer Stations at Whangamata and Pauanui are closed today due to flooding as well.

"Civil Defence centres are on standby to accommodate people needing assistance if required at the Whangamata Hall and the Pauanui Community Centre."

State Highway 25 is closed in several places:

· State Highway 25 Kopu to Thames. Closed because of flooding.

· State Highway 25 Whiritoa closed due to a slip.

· State Highway 25 Tairua is closed between Tairua and State Highway 25a.

People should avoid all non-essential travel in the Coromandel.

We are asking schools to post on our Facebook page whether they will be closing today and/or whether their school bus service is running this afternoon.

See below for more flooding photos from the Thames/Coromandel area.