Coromandel, Auckland on storm alert 

Source: Reuters

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Coromandel residents are being urged to be alert for severe thunderstorms, rapidly rising river levels and surface flooding as heavy rain hits the region on Friday and overnight.

Waikato Civil Defence and Emergency Management group controller Scott Fowlds says civil defence and Environment Waikato (EW) council staff are monitoring the impact of the rain on waterways.

"People on the Coromandel need to stay alert for problems such as rapidly rising river levels, surface flooding and greasy roads. They should keep up to date with news reports and MetService warnings in case the situation changes."

Fowlds says EW has an extensive flood management system in place.

"EW will be ready to implement tried and true flood management procedures should they become necessary."

Heaviest rain is expected later in the afternoon and overnight, and there are expected to be accompanying thunderstorms.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are in place for north of the Waikato region and EW is monitoring the situation to see if a similar warning is required in its area.

Auckland Civil Defence has urged Aucklanders to be on high alert due to the severe thunderstorm warning to the north of the Waikato, pointing to the potential for hazards such as flash flooding, dangerous driving conditions and fallen power lines and trees.

MetService says Aucklanders could expect more than 50mm of rain in the next six hours, or 100mm in the next 24 hours, over an area of about 1000sq km around the Auckland area.

Auckland Civil Defence emergency management group controller Harry O'Rourke says people should use the warning as an opportunity to check their emergency survival kits.

The kits should include three days of food and water, a battery-powered torch and radio with spare batteries, a first aid kit including medication and supplies for pets, he says.

People should also check drains and spouting and clear any blockages.

Drivers should watch their following distance and keep their headlights on.

Keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts on our weather page .