Bad weather overnight caused a number of issues on roads across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty - and motorists are urged to drive with caution.
The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has put out several notices to motorists early this morning.
“Take extra care. Following poor weather overnight, there are a few issues across the Waikato (and) Bay of Plenty state highway network this morning,” NZTA said about 6.30am.
Drivers are advised to check traffic maps for up-to-date information before hitting the roads today.
State Highway 29 Tauranga to Te Poi (Kaimai Ranges) has a road hazard warning.
“Due to a slip near McLaren Falls Rd, expect delays with caution.”
TAKE EXTRA CARE: WEATHER RELATED ISSUES Following poor weather overnight there are a few issues across the Waikato & BOP state highway network this morning. Please check our Traffic Map for up-to-date information before starting your journey: https://t.co/D8US6vlCIr ^TP pic.twitter.com/1j1DafC6K7
A number of severe weather warnings were issued around the country yesterday; with the MetService saying periods of heavy and thundery rain was expected - as well as possible severe north-west gales in parts of the country.
The weather authority said an unstable north-west flow with embedded fronts would affect the country through to tomorrow morning.
“This system delivers periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms to many areas; especially in the north and west, along with north-west gales in some places.”
Downpour in Hamilton
People are advised to keep up-to-date with the latest forecasts in the case any watches are upgrades to warnings or other changes are made.
Just after 7.30am, the MetService said thunderstorms brought “intense bursts” of rainfall across parts of the country yesterday.
In Hamilton, a total of 58mm of rain was reported to have fallen over the last 24 hours - with 37mm of rain falling in just one hour.
Police said several rivers across the Bay of Plenty district had reached flood warning levels early this morning - as of 7am - and that there were reports of trees falling on a number of roads and highways.
Contractors had worked to clear those roads.
A police spokesman said there was also a crash reported overnight that appeared to be the result of poor weather.
The crash involved three vehicles and was the result of a tree blocking three quarters of a road. No injuries were reported, however, and the road was cleared by early this morning.
Many of yesterday’s major severe weather warnings were lifted overnight or early this morning.
However, a strong orange wind warning has been posted for Wellington and Wairarapa, south of Greytown.
Locals are told that north-west gales are forecast to be “severe” at times; with gusts reaching up to 120km/h.
“Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.”
The warning is in place from 4pm today until 6am tomorrow.
There is also a heavy rain watch in Westland south of Hokitika and Fiordland; as well as a strong wind watch in the Hawke’s Bay south of Waipukurau and Wairarapa from Greytown northwards.
“North-west winds may approach severe gale at times.”
Heavy swell warning
However, there is a heavy swell warning in the Kapiti-Porirua Coast-Ōtaki Cape Terawhiti area between 6am today until 6pm tomorrow.
“Westerly combined waves 1m early (this) morning, rising to 4m late (this) afternoon, then easing to 3m late (tomorrow) morning. Peak period 8 seconds,” the MetService reports.
“Westerly swell 1m early (this) morning, rising to 2m late (this) evening, then dying out early (tomorrow) evening. Period 11 seconds.”
In relation to tides in the area, the highest risk period is typically at or within one to two hours of high tide.
