Torrential rain and slips leave Waihi and Whiritoa flooded and isolated

Another flooded house on Leo St in Waihi. Photo/Melanie Camoin

Torrential rainfall created widespread flooding in the Waihi and Whiritoa areas.

The small community of Whiritoa woke up yesterday morning isolated after several slips on State Highway 25 either side of the beachside settlement left a number of people stranded in vehicles.

Some properties were flooded within the township and the local fire brigade evacuated affected people to the local surf lifesaving club.

Hauraki District Council contractors said they were working to clear the slips.

Several low-lying areas have also been flooded at Waihi Beach.

A house flooded on Leo St in Waihi. Photo/Melanie Camoin

Beach Heaven Holiday park on Leo St was under water since 8am, forcing guests to have an early check out.

"In some areas the water was at knee deep, it went up at about 1m," owner Vicki Smith said.

All the guests left safely but she was worried of the high tide approaching.

A few baches in the same stretch of road were been under water most of the day.

A flooded paddock on Beach Rd coming down to Waihi Beach. Photo/Melanie Camoin

Other beach residents near Fergus Rd were also stuck at home after a bridge was blocked with debris. The road was cleared by midday.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council was on alert after part of the One Mile Creek bank collapsed leaving a building exposed. Contractors were carrying emergency work onsite.

In Waihi, the Barry Rd bridge at the east end of town was flooded and the road was closed.

Fergus Rd in Waihi. Photo/Donna Gardner

Hauraki District Council said the bridge would need a structural inspection before it could be reopened.

Karangahake Gorge stayed open for most of the day despite the heavy rain and Waikato Regional Council said it was monitoring rising river levels. In the 24 hours to 4pm, over 118 mm of rain fell in the Ohinemuri catchment, including Karangahake Gorge and Waikino areas.