An emergency alert has been sent out across the Bay of Plenty advising people to put their safety first as severe weather is forecast for the region.

A red rain warning, the first for 2026, is in place for Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua.

In the 24 hours from 9am Wednesday to 9am Thursday, a further 180mm to 240mm of rain is expected on top of what has already accumulated.

Peak rates of 25mm/hr to 40mm/hr could be expected in downpours from Wednesday evening, MetService warned.

In the alert from the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management team at 11.47am, people were advised to act quickly if they saw rising floodwater.

“Do not try to walk, play, swim or drive in floodwater.

 
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is warning that extreme weather, anticipated to worsen in coming days, will create hazardous conditions at beaches across the country and people should take extreme care around coastlines. Photo / Jo Jones

“Avoid all non-essential travel. Bring pets indoors and move livestock to high ground where possible.”

People were also advised to be prepared to evacuate.

“Keep a bag close. If you are in immediate danger, call 111.”

An emergency phone alert for a red servere rain warning has been sent out BY MetService in the Bay of Plenty.

A Katikati resident told the Bay of Plenty Times his workplace, which has many staff travelling in vehicles across the Bay, had sent all staff home effective immediately.

“Due to the BOP Civil Defence severe rain warning, they’ve asked us all to go home and work from there as a precaution.”

Tauranga City Council duty controller Nigel McGlone said it was monitoring the weather situation alongside the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Group.

At this stage, he said there were no road closures in Tauranga or areas causing concern.

Rain has been steadily falling in the region today. A red rain warning is currently in place. Photo / Jo Jones

A council statement said it had activated its emergency operations centre as a precaution, with a dedicated team ready to respond to any emerging issues.

People could call 07 577 7000 24/7 to report weather-related issues such as flooding, fallen trees, or slips.

MetService said the current weather was being driven by a strong and extremely humid northeasterly flow that precedes a tropical low forecast to approach New Zealand from the north today.

“The rain and wind should ease Thursday after the low crosses the country.”

MetService said conditions would disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities.

“We can expect 180mm to 240mm of rain, with peak rates of 25mm/hr to 35mm/hr. MetService has signalled there is a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning,” a representative from the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group said.

“We know this news might be worrisome, especially to those districts who have experienced significant rainfall in the last few weeks.

Rain is expected to fall in Tauranga until around 9am tomorrow. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell

“Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, and surface flooding is possible, so if you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings – head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater. Never try to walk, play, swim or drive in floodwater.”

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence advised people not to travel unless it was an emergency, as there may be slips, fallen trees or surface flooding on roads. The organisation recommended drivers check with NZTA or their local council website for any road closures.

 
A red rain warning is now in place for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua. Image / MetService

Coromandel evacuations

In the Coromandel, flooding was being reported on Wade Rd, south of Whitianga. Surface flooding was also reported around the region.

SH25 from Whitianga to Tairua was closed, NZTA reported.

“SH25 is also closed south of Whitianga near Wade Rd. This means Whitianga can not currently be accessed via SH25 from north or south,” NZTA said on Facebook.

“SH25 is closed between Discovery Dr and Simpson’s Beach due to flooding. It is expected to remain closed for several hours.”

About 200mm to 250mm of rain was expected to fall in the Coromandel Peninsula until 6am on Thursday.

Thames-Coromandel District Council advised people in a low-lying area to “please move to higher ground immediately”.

“The Coromandel Peninsula is experiencing significant rainfall and more rain is expected today. Rivers and creeks are rising rapidly,” the council said.

“We ask campground owners to proactively stay alert and manage any of their hazards.”

The Cooks Beach Community Response Group has been activated and was operating from the Cooks Beach Fire Station.

The group was working alongside the Cooks Beach Campground to support the evacuation of about 35 to 40 campers, council said.

“We ask campground owners to stay alert and proactively manage hazards at their sites.

“Please take this warning seriously and act now to keep yourself and others safe.”

Cooks Beach Resort manager Callum Murray said he had evacuated campers but still had caravans and campervans on site.

“I’ve got a car almost completely underwater.”

He said the campground was about 1.5m over the “normal” water level.

“The bottom half of my camp is now a lake.“

Murray said the resort had about 100 people on site at this stage who were being evacuated to the care of locals.

“The civil defence unit is now set up, so they’ve got a sanctuary for people down at the fire station, but at this stage, vehicles can move, so camper vans I’ve just got on high ground.”

New road closures: Kennedy Bay Rd near Mangatu Rd is closed.

Fire alarm siren malfunction

In a post on Facebook, the Thames-Coromandel District Council said the Fire and Emergency NZ fire alarm in Coromandel Town malfunctioned on Tuesday evening, causing it to sound continuously for about five minutes in a steady tone.

“This was not a tsunami alert – there have been no tsunami alerts.

“We’re aware of the concern and anxiety this may have caused Coromandel Town residents, and can assure everyone that there is no cause for alarm.

“FENZ is investigating the issue and fixing it.”

State Highway 2, Waioweka Gorge closure

SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge remained closed.

Roading crews working to clear around 40 slips along the highway have paused work today.

“With weather set to worsen over the day, crews will take a pause, rest, and allow the weather to pass before reassessing the site and resuming clearing work once safe to do so,” NZTA said in a statement.

“SH35 remains open, however, it is not a reliable detour route while weather is severe.”

SH2 south of Gisborne and SH5 remained open if people must travel.

Additional crews were on standby to respond to any incidents on the detour routes.

There are multiple slips along SH2, between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne. Image / NTZA