UPDATED 9.30am: Roads in some low lying areas of the Coromandel Peninsula remain impassable because of widespread flooding. Rain is still falling in some areas and more heavy rain is expected this afternoon – in addition to the about 450mm of rain has fallen in the last 15 hours.

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

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

There is also a Severe Weather Watch for gales for the Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato for this morning.

The Thames/Coromandel District Council's Roading update.

State Highway 25 between Kopu and Thames is now open.

State Highway 25 at Whiritoa is closed because of slips.

State Highway 25 Between Onemana and Whangamata is closed because of flooding.

State Highway 25 Between Hikuai and Tairua is NOW OPEN, contractors are monitoring the area, please drive with caution.

State Highway 25 from Kereta to Te Kouma take care because of slips.

Tapu-Coroglen Road is closed - slips and flooding, contractor working on the road.

Motorists can get the latest real time information from:

• 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

School updates

Whenuakite and Coroglen Schools are closed today, Mercury Bay Area School, Te Rerenga and Hikuai Schools are open however no buses are running.

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

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

Whangamata - Flooding / Slips. A major slip yesterday afternoon (20m x 20m) meant a couple had to be evacuated before the slip hit the house. The couple are now staying with friends. The house is in the path of the slip if it moves any further. A second house in Whangamata was also evacuated. Multiple businesses and houses have been flooded. 27 students and two teachers from Otumoetai College on a surf camp in Whangamata are being put up for the night as they are unable to leave due to the flooding. The Whangamata wastewater treatment plant is restored.

Onemana - Two houses have been damaged by a slip, but all occupants have been accounted for and relocated. The house is not safe to inhabit. Water supply pipeline fixed and supply restored.

Hikuai/Pauanui - Severely flooded, all access closed. Pauanui is using bores until the treatment plant is fully up and running again.

Paku Hill – One power line fixed so some water stations back online but some still out.

Puriri – water supply is back on and supply is building up.

Coromandel Town and Te Kouma: No rubbish collection – rescheduled for Saturday.

Thames to be picked up yesterday and may finish tomorrow.

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.