Heavy rain and winds close two Far North roads
Over 15 roads were affected by surface flooding and fallen trees after torrential rain and strong winds on Sunday (30 April) but only two roads remained closed this morning.
Despite torrential rain and strong winds experienced in the Far North on Sunday, just two roads were closed to traffic this morning (Monday 1 May).
Puketī Road and Matawaia-Maromākū Road were both closed due to downed trees that had taken out powerlines. Top Energy was due to isolate the lines at both sites this morning.
Work to clear another three roads where trees blocked one lane also began this morning. These roads remain open to traffic but caution is advised and delays should be expected. These roads are:
- Kohumaru Road, Mangōnui - tree blocking one lane
- Puketotara Road, Waipapa - tree blocking one lane
- Tirohanga Road, Kawakawa - tree across road.
Over 15 road sites were affected by Sunday’s weather, but most had been cleared by this morning.
A Heavy Rain Watch was issued by Te Ratonga Tirorangi MetService New Zealand for Northland and two other regions over the weekend, although conditions proved less severe than feared. Surface flooding and fallen trees were the most common issues. An underslip on Doels Road in Kawakawa is also under investigation.
The Heavy Rain Watch was also issued for northern Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula with Strong Wind Watches issued for Northland and northern Auckland.
According the MetService, rain will continue in the Far North this week with possible thunderstorms predicted for Wednesday (3 May).
Roads affected by surface flooding or fallen trees that are now open include:
- Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri
- Ngapipito Road, Moerewa
- Te Rore Road, Kaitāia
- Kimberley Road, Houhora
- Wainui Road, Kāeo
- Kerikeri Inlet Road, Kerikeri
- Ōpito Bay Road, Kerikeri
- Waimate North Road, Kerikeri
- Duncan Road, Kaingaroa
- Tokawhero Road, Awarua
- Waikare Road, Waikare
- Waimatenui Road, Kaikohe
- Wekaweka Road, Waimamaku.
Main image – Cumber Road Bridge, Kaikohe