Sections of State Highway 25 in the Coromandel remain closed following the flooding caused by the heavy rain.

According to the information from the New Zealand Transport Agency, SH25 is closed in both directions south of Whangamata at Whiritoa, and between Hikuai to Tairua from the turnoff with SH25A.

But the Thames-Coromandel District Council says SH25 south of Thames is currently open.

'We're keeping an eye on this one, but as high tide has just passed, it looks like it probably won't be closed.”

The road from the SH25A turnoff to Whangamata is also open, along with SH25A/Kopu-Hikuai Road.

About 450mm of rain has fallen in the last 15 hours, which has caused widespread flooding in areas of the Coromandel and made some roads in some low-lying areas impassable.

Rain is still currently falling in some areas and more heavy rain is expected on Thursday afternoon.

Metservice forecasts a further 30-40mm may accumulate in the 19 hours from 5pm on Wednesday until midday on Thursday.

Another period of heavy rain is also expected from about midday on Thursday to Friday night, with another possible 150-180mm of rain, with peak intensities of 15-25mm per hour.

A Severe Weather Watch for gales for the Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato until Thursday morning has also been issued.

The next high tide in Thames occurs at 5:02am on Thursday and will be 3.7m. While in Whitianga, it occurs at 4:58am and will be 2.0m.

UPDATE BY AREA – 6PM:

WHANGAMATA:

A Civil Defence Centre is on standby at Whangamata Hall for those who need assistance.

A 20m x 20m slip earlier this meant a couple had to be evacuated before it hit the house. The couple are now staying with friends.

A second house in Whangamata was also evacuated, while multiple businesses and houses have been flooded.

Twenty-seven students and two teachers from Otumoetai College on a surf camp in Whangamata are also being put up for the night as they are unable to leave due to the flooding.

The Whangamata wastewater treatment plant is restored.

THAMES:

Thames Coast Road is open but extreme caution is required due to surface flooding and debris.

ONEMANA:

Two houses have been damaged by a slip, but all occupants have been accounted for and relocated as the house is not safe to inhabit.

Water supply pipeline fixed and supply restored.

HIKUAI/PAUANUI:

The area is severely flooded and all access is closed.

Pauanui is using bores until the treatment plant is fully up and running again.

PAKU HILL:

One power line has been fixed so some water stations are back online, but some are still out.

PURIRI

Water supply has been switched back on and supply is building up.

COROMANDEL TOWN AND TE KOUMA:

No rubbish collection today – rescheduled for Saturday.

Rural Support Trust is asking farmers with information about what is happening in their area or if they are experiencing any issues to please call them on 0800 787 254.