Prepping for tonight’s high tide

Turret Road at midday today. Photo Paul G R.

Click the image above to view slideshow

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is advising people in low-lying coastal areas to prepare for high winds and another king tide tonight at 11pm.

While the severe rain has eased, the main risks are now high winds and coastal flooding caused by large swells and the king tide.

The king tide at 10.40am today caused flooding to a number of coastal areas throughout Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Tonight's king tide may have a similar result – but could affect different areas depending on the wind direction.

Controller Eric Newman says Civil Defence is working to mitigate the risk but people should consider self-evacuating if they were adversely affected earlier today.

'High winds and the high tide today caused flooding in many areas,” says Eric. 'We are expecting a similar result tonight at high tide at 11pm and combined with rising rivers and streams we're advising people who are worried to consider acting early and self-evacuate before this happens again in the dark.”

People are advised to have an evacuation plan in place – including for pets – and a supply of fresh food, water and clothes, avoid unessential travel through low lying areas and stay away from beaches and streams as significant coastal swells are expected.

'Our secondary risk is due to the strong winds – in some places getting up to 120km/h. This is causing a number of trees to fall across road ways. If you see this please do not attempt to remove these yourself – if you call your council, qualified contractors with the right equipment will do this.”

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case other areas are added to the WARNINGS.

This photo snapped by Paul G R shows flooding across Turret Rd at midday.

The rain radar below shows the worst of the rain has passed the Bay of Plenty. Photo: Metservice.

Further up the road Tricia Knight also snapped these photos of flooding at Grace Road.

And at Memorial Park earlier today.

Meanwhile Waikato Police are advising motorists to avoid any non urgent travel in the Thames Coromandel region.

"State Highway 25 Thames Coast road is currently closed due to the severity of waves crashing over the road, bringing rock and debris with it, making it unsafe for vehicles.

"Te Puru community hall on West Crescent, Beachlands, is open for people whose homes have been flooded or motorists stranded by the Thames Coast Rd being shut.

"Civil Defence advises anyone concerned about their electricity to also go to the hall."

Photos taken by David Van't Wout show some of the damage in the area.

The Warnings for heavy rain in northern Gisborne, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, the Tararua Range, and Nelson are now lifted.

Heavy Rain Warning

Area: Bay Of Plenty from Opotiki eastwards

Valid: 7 hours from 2:00pm to 9:00pm Friday

Forecast: Rain with heavy falls is expected Friday afternoon and evening. Expect 60 to 80mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges during this time, with lesser amounts near coastal areas.

Area: Tongariro National Park

Valid: 12 hours from 12:00pm Friday to 12:00am Saturday

Forecast: Periods of rain with heavy falls are expected from midday until midnight tonight. Expect 70-100mm of rain to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm/hr, and thunderstorms possible.

Area: Mount Taranaki

Valid: 11 hours from 10:00am to 9:00pm Friday

Forecast: Periods of rain with heavy falls are expected to continue through to Friday evening, then ease. Expect a further 70-100mm of rain to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr, and thunderstorms possible.

Strong Wind Warning

Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Area: Northland

Valid: 8 hours from 10:00am to 6:00pm Friday

Forecast: Severe gale northerlies gusting 130 km/h in exposed places, changing westerly early this afternoon, possibly severe gale gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, then winds ease this evening.

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island

Valid: 8 hours from 10:00am to 6:00pm Friday

Forecast: Severe gale northerlies gusting 130 km/h in exposed places, should change westerly early this afternoon, possibly rising to severe gale gusting 120 km/h for a time, then winds ease this evening.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay Of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, and Taranaki

Valid: 8 hours from 10:00am to 6:00pm Friday

Forecast: North to northeast winds, severe gale gusting 120 km/h at times, changing westerly this evening and ease.

Area: Gisborne and Hawkes Bay

Valid: 6 hours from 12:00pm to 6:00pm Friday

Forecast: Northerlies may rise to severe gale gusting 120 km/h in exposed places this afternoon. Note, a Watch is also in place for severe gales southwesterlies in southern Hawkes Bay for Saturday.

Area: Kapiti-Horowhenua, Wellington and Wairarapa including the Tararua District

Valid: 30 hours from 10:00am Friday to 4:00pm Saturday

Forecast: East to northeast winds may become severe along coastal Wairarapa including the Tararua District from this morning until this evening, then the winds should ease.

Winds change southwesterly tonight, rising to severe gale gusting 120 km/h in exposed places until Saturday afternoon. Coastal flooding may affect the south coast of Wellington, especially during high tide on Saturday morning.

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