Motorists warned with heavy rain incoming

File Image/SunLive.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is asking motorists to drive to the conditions and watch out for surface flooding, slips and fallen trees amid warnings of heavy rain tomorrow.

Periods of heavy rain are forecast for the Coromandel Peninsula between 3am and 12 noon tomorrow, and for the Bay of Plenty, away from the eastern ranges between 5am and 3pm.

Further rain is possible on Thursday night, with the MetService issuing a Heavy Rain warning.

Waka Kotahi regional manager of maintenance and operations Rob Campbell urges motorists to take care and avoid unnecessary travel.

'Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly and there is a chance we may need to close some roads,” says Rob.

'Expect the unexpected and remain alert. Check your intended route for hazards or disruptions before setting out using the Waka Kotahi interactive Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz) and be prepared for unreported hazards.”

The MetService website is another useful resource for up-to-date weather information and forecasts.

MetService meteorologist Angus Hines says after some rain earlier in the week, things really crank up again on Thursday. A low pressure system to the North steers a belt of heavy rain into eastern part of the North Island.

'For those in the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty, rain will be ramping up early on Thursday morning, so be prepared for surface flooding and poor visibility on the morning commute, with things such as slips or road closures a possibility as well,” says Angus.

Wet roads can be slippery and motorists are advised to increase their following distances.

Rob says on a wet road, driving at the speed limit could be too fast for the conditions.

'You can lose control very easily in wet weather, especially if you have to brake suddenly, so slow down,” he points out.

Rob is asking motorists to be mindful of contractors who could be out clearing hazards off the road, and to drive slowly through work sites.

'We want to see everyone get home safely. Stay safe and stay alert.”

You may also like....

1 comment

Better still...

Posted on 16-09-2021 13:03 | By morepork

“We want to see everyone get home safely. Stay safe and stay alert.” ... stay home....


Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.