Waikato weather update as at 8.30am Saturday

Heavy overnight rain in the Waikato region has led to a number of slips and road closures on the Coromandel and northern Waikato, while a number of rivers and streams have overflowed their banks leading to localized surface flooding in some parts.

However, Environment Waikato says the worst is over at this stage as Cyclone Wilma has headed off to sea and more settled weather is forecast.

Duty emergency management officer Adam Munro said more rain than forecast fell overnight in various areas, including the 275mm recorded at Castle Rock on the Coromandel. The forecast had been for up to 150mm to fall on the Coromandel.

Some rivers and streams in a number of areas had overflowed their banks, with the Kauaeranga River flowing over and closing state highway 25 at Thames. The Waihou River was currently rising but was expected to be contained within EW’s stopbank system.

In northern Waikato, several rivers had risen strongly. Overflows had led to state highway 2 being closed near Maramarua.

Mr Munro said motorists should keep up to date with road closure information.

EW staff were taking the precaution of inspecting flood protection scheme assets this morning to ensure no damage had occurred.

The council will also be working with Mighty River Power to keep a close watch on Waikato River levels following the rain.