High Wind Alert Extended to Eastern Waikato

Today’s high wind warning for the Coromandel has been extended to Eastern Waikato in general, especially in the lee of the Kaimai Range, meaning residents there also need to be on the alert, says Waikato Civil Defence.

As on the Coromandel, winds with gusts of 130 kilometres an hour are expected from this afternoon before easing overnight.

Residents are reminded to secure loose items, take care on the roads (particularly in large vehicles), and be aware of the potential for trees and other debris to be blown around the place. As with any strong wind event, there is also the potential for power and telecommunication outages.

Heavy rain of between 100 millimetres and 120mm is also expected on the Coromandel Peninsula from late tomorrow morning before easing overnight Tuesday.

This may result in some surface flooding, and place further pressure on river systems on the peninsula , which rose following the rainfall over the weekend.

River systems across the wider Waikato region are also under pressure following the weekend rainfall and could be further affected by the forecast rainfall. Rivers are particularly up in the western parts of the region.

In addition to the heavy rain and strong wind warnings, Waikato Civil Defence has also been alerted to the potential for abnormally high seas due to the combination of low atmospheric pressure, strong easterly winds and a heavy ocean swell. Low lying coastal land exposed to the east is expected to be most at risk and residents are advised take precautionary measures.

Thames-Valley Civil Defence, the Waikato Civil Defence Group Emergency Management Office and Waikato Regional Council staff are monitoring the weather, tide and river levels closely and will provide advice as necessary.

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