Wild weather: SH35 closed, precautionary evacuations near Rotorua

State Highway 35 is closed due to surface flooding as wild weather moves towards the East Coast.

In a statement, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the stretch of road was closed just before 10.30am after heavy and persistent rainfall.

The weather has already caused surface flooding and rising river levels in the region, and MetService is warning for further rainfall during the day, NZTA said.

NZTA Waka Kotahi system manager Martin Colditz said the decision has been taken to close the road for the safety of all motorists and the local community.

NZTA advises road users to avoid travel if possible and drive to the conditions.

"Crews are regularly assessing other parts of the network for any signs of flooding or safety risks."

Rotorua Lakes Council emergency management is asking residents of Western Road in Ngongotahā, near Rotorua, to evacuate.

The council said the evacuation is a "precautionary measure" in case the nearby river rises higher.

In a post to Facebook, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence said: "It is easier and safer for people to leave before a potential flood."

"This is not a declared state of emergency, but we are closely monitoring the situation to do whatever is needed to keep people safe."

Teams from civil defence are door knocking in the area.

Residents who are asked to evacuate are asked to bring something warm to wear and essentials such as baby food and medication, along with pets.

If possible, go to friends and whānau, the post read.

"Otherwise, move away from the river to a dry, safe location."

Further updates will be provided on the Rotorua Lakes Council Facebook page.

In Gisborne, MetService has issued a heavy rain watch from 9am to 4pm today, with thunderstorms possible this afternoon.

MetService also issued an orange heavy rain warning for Hawke's Bay for 36 hours, from 6am Tuesday, May 21 to 6pm Wednesday, May 22.

About 150mm to 200mm of rain is expected to accumulate with peak rates of 25 to 30mm/h.

The biggest accumulation likely will be south of SH5. Peak rates are expected Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council rainfall page showing rivers across the region have been slowly rising but nothing of concern yet.

NZTA also issued a reminder to take extra care when driving around both Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti today.

"NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is advising all road users to drive to the conditions, take care and adjust your following distances as the rain is set to continue.

"High-sided vehicles in particular need to take care as the high winds will continue during the day.

"Please keep up to date on NZTA’s Journey Planner, in case there is any need for short notice closures – as we have seen this morning with the State Highway 35 closure between Te Puia township and Tokomaru Bay."

After Hawke's Bay, MetService expected the storm to move south along the East Coast.

A heavy rain warning has been issued for the Tararua and Wairarapa regions from 9am today to 3pm Wednesday.

"Expect 130 to 160 mm of rain, mainly about the hills and ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 20 mm/h. Note, there are large variations in the timing of heavy rain and total accumulations," MetService said.

"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous."

Overnight there was flooding in parts of Auckland, with Fire and Emergency NZ saying there was 67 weather-related events between 11pm and 2am. Police also recorded calls for 36 weather-related events in Auckland between 6pm Monday and 6am Tuesday.

Houses were flooded in St Heliers and Mount Wellington.

Christchurch is also experiencing surface flooding, according to a Facebook post by city councillor Celeste Donovan.

"Flooding has been reported at the top end of Marine Parade, particularly at the corner of Pacific Road and Marine Parade and also near Cygnet Street," said Donovan.

"Crews are currently working to clear the outfall pipes. Traffic management is on site to limit traffic, as the water is being pushed onto nearby properties. Please take an alternative route if possible."

Donovan asked residents to limit travel along the north end of Marine Parade, and urged people to "please go slow" when travelling through any water clogged roads.

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