Saturday 25 May 2013 – 1330hrs

Flood risk for Firth of Thames coast

Coastal communities around the Firth of Thames are being warned of the risk of coastal flooding tomorrow morning.

This is due to a possible combination of a drop in barometric pressure raising sea levels and high north-west winds driving high tides on shore, coupled with the threat of heavy overnight rain.

Waikato Regional Council duty emergency management officer Dave Lovatt said these conditions could see some inundation of coastal areas by the sea, while the conditions would make it harder for any heavy rain to drain away from the land.

“At this stage there is no clear indication that there will be significant flooding, nor how bad it might be.

“But residents do need to be aware of the potential for some coastal flooding, particularly around high tide at about 7am to 8am tomorrow.”

Mr Lovatt said the regional council will be monitoring the situation closely and liaising with emergency services as the situation develops.

He said the regional council would provide more information as required and urged Firth of Thames residents to stay up to date with weather forecasts for the area.

Boaties are also urged to take the forecasts into account for any trips they are planning.

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