Post storm tidy up underway

8 January 2018 - 2pm

Western Bay of Plenty District Council staff have been checking out public facilities for damage following the storm last week.

Generally speaking the District fared very well despite the significant rain fall, high winds and coastal inundation.

There's some tidying up to do as a number of tree branches snapped during the winds. The king tide also managed to cover a number of our parks, walkways and cycleways leaving debris and causing some damage to paths.

We're arranging for repairs to take place over the coming weeks.

5 January 2018 - 3pm

Prepare for tonight's high tide

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is advising people in low-lying coastal areas to prepare for high winds and another king tide tonight at 11pm.

While the severe rain has eased, the main risks are now high winds and coastal inundation caused by large swells and the king tide.

The king tide earlier today at 10.40am caused flooding to a number of coastal areas throughout Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Tonight's king tide may have a similar result - but could affect different areas depending on the wind direction.

Controller Eric Newman says Civil Defence are working to mitigate the risk but people should consider self-evacuating if they were adversely affected earlier today.

High winds and the high tide today caused flooding and coastal inundation in many areas. We are expecting a similar result tonight at high tide at 11pm and combined with rising rivers and streams we're advising people who are worried to consider acting early and self-evacuate before this happens again in the dark.

People are advised to have an evacuation plan in place - including for pets - and a supply of fresh food, water and clothes, avoid unessential travel through low lying areas and stay away from beaches and streams as significant coastal swells are expected.

Our secondary risk is due to the strong winds - in some places getting up to 120km/h. This is causing a number of trees to fall across road ways. If you see this please do not attempt to remove these yourself - if you call your council, qualified contractors with the right equipment will do this.

5 January 2018 - 12pm

While the rain has eased, king tides are flooding some low lying coastal areas in the District.

Tidal inundation has been reported in:

• Little Waihi Reserve - specifically the Bledisloe holiday park
• Maketu Rd by the estuary
• Te Puna Station Rd by the Wairoa River
• Waihi Beach 2 Mile Creek.

The high tide is starting to recede which should lead to water levels dropping. Until this happens please avoid these areas unless absolutely necessary.

However, high winds continue to be the main concern. Fairhaven Park in Te Puke has been closed until further notice due to concerns about the trees coping with strong winds.

Civil Defence and Council staff are working to ensure essential services are not blocked.

PLEASE NOTE - Council's Waihi Beach area office will be closed until 3pm due to a power outage.

For the Most up to date information visit:

BOP Civil Defence - https://www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence/

For info re power outages visit PowerCo - http://www.powerco.co.nz/Power-Cuts/

NZTA - highway travel event map - http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/4

5 January 2018 - 9am

The Western Bay District fared well in the bad weather overnight - which now has largely passed.

While the storm has peaked, heavy rain bursts are possible this morning and wind gusts of 120km/h are still expected in exposed places until this evening. High swells are also still expected, and these may still lead to coastal inundation and surface flooding in some areas.

Apart from fallen trees across the District overnight there have been no other reported issues. Council staff are in the field today ensuring core services continue to run smoothly.

Unfortunately due to bad weather the Waihi Beach Summer Fair has been cancelled.

If you are out and about today please keep an eye out for:

• Flying debris
• Further trees being blown over

4 January 2018 - 4.30pm

The storm tonight is expected to be short, sharp and strong.

The heaviest rainfall should occur around 8pm. High tide and large swells are expected around 10pm.

This combination of factors is expected to lead to coastal inundation and surface flooding in some areas.

Council staff and contractors have been busy preparing roads and utilities for the impending weather, and will continue monitoring the situation overnight.

The most up to date information can be found by visiting the BOP Civil Defence website (www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence).

If you see surface flooding please call Council on 0800 926 732.

4 January 2018 - 11am

Heavy rain and high winds up to 120km/h are expected to hit the Western Bay of Plenty District over the next couple of days.

Combined with hard ground caused by recent very-dry weather it's expected there will be a fair degree of surface flooding across the District.

Council staff and contractors are busy preparing roads and utilities for the impending weather, and will be monitoring and responding to issues throughout the week.

The below advice is for any residents or visitors staying in the Western Bay District who might be concerned about the oncoming bad weather.

Potential hazards include:

• High winds up to 120km/h
• Flooding (50-100 millimetres of rain is predicted)
• Coastal inundation caused by rainfall and king tides.

PEOPLE ARE ADVISED TO:

• Clear your gutters and stormwater grates of any debris
• Secure outdoor furniture
• Have an evacuation plan in place - including for pets - and a supply of fresh food, water and clothes
• Stay away from beaches and streams as significant coastal swells are expected
• Avoid areas, both below and above, where there have been recent slips as the ground may still be unstable
• Avoid travelling when possible. If driving, watch your speed and following distances.

Western Bay Council and Civil Defence will be monitoring the situation and will keep the community informed.

The most up to date information can be found by visiting the BOP Civil Defence website (www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence).