Aotea’s roading network is deteriorating this Wednesday, as torrential rain and gale-force winds continue to batter the region. A Civil Defence emergency alert was received by some mobile devices at noon today, urging residents to avoid travel as the weather system reaches its peak.
In the south, a large and widening crack has appeared in the centre of Medland Road on the straight just before Tryphena. Fulton Hogan staff are on-site and have advised motorists that they proceed at their own risk, as the integrity of the road threatens to cut off the link between Tryphena and Medlands. Further north on Medland Road, rocks have come down near Station Rock and have been coned off.
At Awana, floodwaters have risen to approximately 60cm in places. The crossing remains impassable for standard vehicles and is strictly 4WD only. Meanwhile, the Medlands flats are completely flooded. The ford on Mason Road is currently under 40cm of fast-flowing water; multiple vehicles abandoning attempts to cross the ford today.
Coastal stability is also a concern. A significant slip has occurred on Shoal Bay Road just before Pah Beach. While the debris has not covered the road, much of the shoulder has collapsed into the water below. While Claris and Kaitoke have escaped the worst of the damage so far, conditions across the rest of the island continue to deteriorate.
Travel Gridlock Remains
The island’s isolation from the mainland continues into its second day. SeaLink has confirmed that all ferry sailings through to Thursday remain cancelled. Barrier Air has grounded the majority of today’s flights. Air New Zealand continues to cancel domestic services nationwide as the system moves across the country.
Upgraded Warnings
MetService has upgraded the previous watch to an Orange Heavy Rain Warning, effective until 2:00 am Thursday.
- Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain, with peak intensities of 25 to 40 mm/h expected through this afternoon.
- Wind: A Strong Wind Watch remains in place until 11:00 pm tonight, with easterly gales threatening exposed areas.
The Emergency Response Team continues to advise residents to stay home and avoid all travel. With rivers rising rapidly and road surfaces cracking or slipping, any travel carries risk.
While the forecast still indicates the weather may clear by Thursday morning, the immediate priority for all residents is to stay off the roads and monitor official channels for further Civil Defence updates.
