The worst of the rain is expected to be today, with showers forecast for the weekend. Photo / File
An orange rain warning is now in place for the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua.
In the 24 hours from 12pm today until noon tomorrow, the MetService said that the Bay of Plenty could see 100 to 150mm of rain, with the chance of 200mm in localised areas if downpours occur.
In an update weather alert on its site, MetService said there could be rainfall intensities of 15 to 25mm per hour.
“There is the chance of thunderstorms with downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour.”
The weather organisation said there was a low chance of the warning being upgraded to a red warning.
In the Coromandel, 120 to 150mm of rain is forecast from 11am today until 10am tomorrow, with the chance of 200 mm in localised areas if downpours occur.
“Intensities of 20 to 25mm per hour are likely, but there is the chance of downpours with 25 to 40 mm per hour,” MetService said.
There is a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning.
“Warm and humid conditions over the North Island on Friday are likely to generate thunderstorms, with the potential for localised intense bursts of rain,” MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker said on Thursday.
In a statement to SunLive, meteorologist Lewis Ferris said current forecast info has the weather generally clearing as Saturday progresses but people may notice cooler air moving in from the south overnight Saturday into Sunday.
“Sunday may bring a little bit more wet weather around the region but at the moment Friday is the day with potential for most impact.”
Western Bay of Plenty District Council said it was closely monitoring the forecast and taking a precautionary approach across the district.
“We’re doing our usual pre-rain checks, our transportation team is inspecting key roading sites, and we will have essential contractors, such as arborists, on standby,” the council said in a post on Facebook.
“We know this can be an anxious time for many, especially with recent weather impacts still being felt. Please take care, stay calm, and put your safety first.”
Tauranga City Council said Adams Ave, between Pilot Bay and the Maunganui Rd roundabout, would be temporarily closed to vehicles from 8am Friday as a precautionary approach following geotechnical advice about the current risks on Mauao from anticipated rainfall from Friday to Saturday.
Council duty emergency controller Nigel McGlone said since the lifting of cordons in the area immediately in front of Mauao last week, Council has been guided by a plan to take precautionary measures in the event that the monitoring equipment on Mauao, anticipated rainfall or some other information ‘trigger an alert’ of heightened danger to the public.
He said this was called a ‘Trigger Alert Response Plan’ (TARP) and has been developed in conjunction with Geotech experts who have been monitoring Mauao since the deadly slips three weeks ago.
The response plan has three ‘trigger levels’, and since the cordons were lifted, the response has sat at Level 2 – ‘heightened awareness’.
McGlone said the forecast for some heavier than usual rainfall over the next 24 hours meant that a move to the higher Level 3 needed to be considered.
“After speaking with our Geotech experts and taking their advice, the decision was made to activate the Level 3 response which means closing the road directly outside the Mauao slip site.
“Pedestrian access on the ‘shop side’ of the road has not been affected as expert advice is that only the road needs to be closed for vehicle and foot traffic.”
He said the closure was a precautionary measure based on the rainfall ‘trigger’ provided by their experts.“However, with any large amount of rain there’s a risk of land movement, so community members are best to remain vigilant for themselves and others, and report any concerns to the Council via 07 577 7000. If life or property is in danger, people should call 111 immediately.”
Land stability
With ongoing wet conditions, the council said some areas of the district remain fragile, particularly where there have been previous slips. Heavy rain can cause further movement in unstable ground.
If you live near, are visiting, or travelling through areas prone to slips, please watch out for warning signs, including:
• Small slips, rockfalls, or sinking land at the base of slopes
• New cracks or bulges in the ground, roads, footpaths, or retaining walls
• Doors or windows sticking or no longer fitting properly
• Steps, decks, or verandas tilting away from buildings
• Tilting trees, fences, or retaining walls
If you notice any of these signs, move away from the area if it’s safe to do so.
If you see anything unsafe (such as a slip, serious flooding, or a fallen tree), please contact us on 0800 926 732 or lodge an Antenno report. If you are in immediate danger, call 111.