Western Bay road closures today

Wet Weather, Maleme St flooding.

Tauranga Direct Rd: A slip on Tauranga Direct Rd has blocked both lanes and the road is closed to all traffic over night.

Police northern communications spokesman Dean Wakelin said the slip was about 500m south of Te Matai Rd, on the SH36 that connects Tauranga and Rotorua.

There is no estimation on what time the road will re-open however Mr Wakelin said due to the high number of call-outs today, people should make alternate plans.

Tauranga south: Greerton's Maleme St has been closed due to flooding.

The transfer station located on the street has also been closed.

Tauranga City Council has advised there is also surface flooding along Papamoa Beach Rd and advise motorists to drive with caution.

Pukehina: The main road of Pukehina has been closed in the midst of wild weather pummeling the Bay.

Fallen power lines have forced the shut down of Pukehina Parade about 1pm today.

Katikati: The rain and strong winds has prompted police to close Wharawhara Rd in Katikati.

Western Bay of Plenty road police acting manager Sergeant Nigel Ramsden said the bridge on Wharawhara Rd was struggling to cope with the pressure of the current high tide.

He said there were concerns the bridge would break.

Mr Ramsden said conditions on the roads were "really bad" and urged motorists to avoid any non-urgent travel.

Kaimai Ranges: State Highway 29 was closed earlier this morning due to fallen trees, then traffic was reduced to one lane at Poripori Rd but the highway is now reopen.