Whangārei District remains under a red weather warning with a further 100-130mm of rain expected to fall today with heavier downpours Thursday afternoon and evening. The rain should clear 4:00am Friday morning.

Northland Civil Defence are urging people to stay off the roads and avoid non-urgent travel with the worst of the rain predicted to arrive later today and high tides at around 2.00pm.

“Please don't underestimate today's heavy rain, we probably haven't seen the worst of it yet. If you're safe where you are, you might be best to stay there,” says Whangārei District Council Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre Controller Victoria Harwood.

If people feel their life is in danger they should call 111.

To report hazards like road issues, call Whangarei District Council (24 hours) on 09-430-4200.

There are a number of formal road closures in the District and latest updates are available on our website at https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Community/Civil-Defence/Latest-updates

• Kaiikanui Road (flooding), please wait for flooding to subside
• Pukenui Road (land-slip), a contractor has been sent to clear it
• Massey Road (fallen tree), teams are clearing
• Whananaki North Road (flooding), please wait for flooding to subside
• Russell Road at Helena Bay Hill - major slip from January storm event.

There are also a number of roads that are down to just 1 lane, drivers are advised to use caution and always be prepared to stop.

Do not enter flood water:

Avoid any contact with flood-water - don't drive through it and don't touch it. Wash off with soap and clean water if you have to touch flood-water. There have been a number of sewerage failures and you should treat flood-water as contaminated.

Where to get help:

The following marae and safe spaces are currently open for whānau:

• Mōkau Marae 
  2355 Russell Road, Mōkau, Northland 0184
• Ngāiotonga Marae 
  1561 Rawhiti Road, Ngāiotonga, Northland 0184
• Ngunguru Marae 
  60 Waiotoi Road, Ngunguru
• Ōakura Marae 
  2513 Russell Road, Ōakura, Whangaruru
• Tūparehuia Marae 
  765 Whangaruru North Road, Bland Bay, Whangaruru, Northland
• Whakapaumahara Marae
• 1836 Whananaki Road

Be alert to the risk of landslides

Readiness: Get prepared to respond to landslides | National Emergency Management Agency

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