Heavy rain cuts Coromandel roads

Heavy overnight rain has caused flooding in the Coromandel that has stranded motorists and closed some roads. The Fire Service has been called to homes in Whangamata and Pauanui and to a resthome in Tairua.

Inspector Gavin MacDonald of Waikato Police said early this morning that the Karangahake Gorge is closed, as is the Tirua Rd section of State Highway 25 at Hikuai.

Mr MacDonald said there have been no reports of casualties or any evacuations.

MetService says up to 130mm of rain fell in around six hours overnight.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB