Flood Update 5 p.m

There has been a sting in the tail of the severe weather which has been hammering the Far North over the last 48 hours.

Just as the situation appeared to be easing, new flooding reports have started to flow in and the district is beginning to feel the effects of winds of up to 130 kph in exposed coastal areas.

In the last hour the Matawai/Maromaku, Opahi Station and Pokare Roads south-west of Kawakawa have closed due to heavy flooding and Mill Road at Kawakawa and the Towai Road at Maromaku also remain closed from flooding earlier in the afternoon.

Reports of trees down and power failures were increasing as the Meteorological Office predications of gale force north-westerly winds came to fruition. The severe winds are expected to continue overnight.

There have been reports from the Doubtless Bay area in the last hour that the winds are more severe than at any time earlier in the week, gusting to over 100 kph with rough seas. Similarly reports of severe gusts in eastern coastal areas have been received across the Far North.

Residents are being urged to stay off the roads unless it is absolutely necessary to travel, particularly in areas known to be prone to flooding.

Far North Civil Defence staff will maintain a watching brief this evening.