Far North roads battered by rain events

11 May 2023

Back-to-back heavy rain events in May are having an impact on our roading network. See images of road drop-outs, slips and storm debris here.

Several heavy rain events back-to-back in May are having an ongoing impact on the Far North roading network.

MetService issued an Orange Heavy Rain warning this week for Tuesday 9 May and the resulting rain caused 32 roads to close over the course of that day, mainly due to surface flooding. While the weather system cleared the following day and flooding did reduce, the heavy rain left soils water-logged, causing instability and increasing the potential for slips across the district.

As of 8am this morning (Thursday 11 May), six roads remain closed in the Far North and over 30 other roads have been impacted by surface flooding and slips. Motorists are advised to continue to drive carefully and to consider the conditions.

Northland Transportation Alliance contractors are assessing the affects this latest weather event has had on the Far North road network. They continue to clear hazards and to keep the council regularly updated about road conditions, impacts and closures. You can follow these updates on our Weather event - 9 May webpage.

This week’s heavy rain event follows another Orange Heavy Rain warning last week when the council stood up its Emergency Operations Centre at its headquarters in Kaikohe to respond to the situation. The MetService predicted 100mm to 130mm of rain on Wednesday 3 May. Four roads were closed over the course of this event with up to 15 others also impacted by surface flooding, slips and wash outs.

Main image - Pipiwai Road, Pipiwai. Slip.

Below - Giles Road, Hōreke. Road drop-out.