People advised to avoid travelling if they can in heavy rain affected areas

The NZ Transport Agency is advising people to avoid travelling tonight in Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas affected by heavy rain and to check before they travel on Monday.

A number of roads are closed in Coromandel and Western Bay of Plenty because of flooding. High tide is not expected until 10.50pm Sunday so some roads could stay closed until at least when the tide drops.

The Transport Agency says if people have to travel they should check the NZTA website or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) before they leave. People should also check before travelling on Monday.

How to stay up to date and check road closures and weather conditions:

• 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
• www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link)
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP/(external link)
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/nztawaibop(external link)
• Journey planner: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)
• Met Service Facebook: www.facebook.com/MetService/(external link)
• Severe weather warnings MetService: www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-warnings(external link)

Current closures (subject to change please check website for the latest):

State Highway 2 Katikati is closed because of flooding. The detour for essential travel is via State Highway 26, 27 and then State Highway 29.

State Highway 25 Hikuai to Tairua

State Highway 25 between Wade Road and the 309, Whitianga

State Highway 25 near to the 309 Road, Preece Point