Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
With severe weather arriving ahead of the busy Easter holiday period, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising road users in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, to be prepared and take extra care on the roads.
Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast, with MetService issuing a severe weather warning from tonight until end of day on Friday 18 April for Coromandel and Western Bay of Plenty.
The orange warning is likely to be extended further into the Waikato and across the Kaimai Range.
With school holidays, and Easter approaching, it’s busier than usual on our roads, and Waikato Journey Manger for NZTA, Andrew Brosnan, urges motorists to be vigilant.
“Essentially, the message is – be ready for difficult driving conditions. There’s the potential for surface flooding and slips. Anticipate that there could be trees or debris on the road just around the next corner. There’s also a risk of downed powerlines – so expect the unexpected.
“If you need to travel, allow extra time for your journey. Slow down and keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. Keep your headlights on to increase visibility.
“Thunderstorms are possible on Friday. While the current estimate is up to 250 mm of rain to fall on the Comomandel Ranges, there is potential for this to increase.
“Be aware that streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Strong winds are creating dangerous coastal conditions around the upper North Island, with large waves potentially causing coastal inundation and erosion. The highest risk for the Coromandel is around high tide.”
NZTA contractors are out clearing critical drainage areas on the network and have crews on standby to manage any issues as the weather takes hold.
Road uses should be aware that there may be some areas of the network where traffic management or temporary speed limits are in place. There will be traffic management in place on State Highway 25 at the Pepe Steam Bridge at Tairua over both Easter and Anzac weekends, to help keep traffic moving over the holiday period.
“Please adhere to temporary speed limits and follow the directions of traffic management in work zones, even if you can’t see active work underway. It is there for your protection, the protection of workers and other motorists. This is especially important in poor weather,” Mr Brosnan says.
Plan ahead before you travel with the Easter and Anzac travel advisory in the NZTA Journey Planner.
Easter and Anzac holiday weekends 2025 | NZTA Journey Planner(external link)
