The rain has started to get heavier in Tauranga with the orange heavy rain warning still in place until 1am Saturday morning.

There is a chance that this warning could be upgraded to a Red Warning and given the recent weather event and subsequent rainfall over the last few weeks, there’s an increased risk of both new landslides occurring and additional damage at sites where landslides have already occurred.

If you learn or suspect that a landslide is occurring or is about to occur in your area evacuate immediately if it is safe to do so. Seek higher ground outside the path of the landslide. Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow path is your best protection.

If you are feeling unsafe in your property please self-evacuate to family or friends, take animals and any medication you may need.

Please take care while driving, and conditions on the roads may be slippery. Watch out for slips and fallen trees.

After heavy rainfall, streams and rivers may continue to rise. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings.

Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.

There are a number of tracks and parks closed around the city because of the weather. For more information visit here: https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/news-and-events/notifications/artmid/25934/articleid/14998

Adams Avenue, between Pilot Bay and the Maunganui Road roundabout, will be temporarily closed to vehicles from 5pm today due to the heavy rain warning. The footpath on the ‘shop side’ of Adams Ave will remain open.

There may be some disruption as the road closure is being set up.

This is a precautionary approach following geotechnical advice about the current risks on Mauao from anticipated rainfall.

Whilst no definite timeframe can be given for the duration of the closure, it is temporary.

The road will not be opened until the rain event has passed and we have expert advice regarding the safety of the area.

The heavy rain warning will be updated as Metservice provide further information.

© Scoop Media